March - April 2006 Guard Times Magazine

69th back on the march, page 7

A Purple Heart search, page 11

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March-April 2006

A 109th Airlift Wing LC-130 Hercules “Ski-bird� operates on an ice runway in Antarctica. The Wing recently ended its South Pole Operation Deep Freeze season and began its spring Greenland operations at the North Pole. Both operations provide valuable airlift support for the National Science Foundation. Photo by Maj. Mark Doll.

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Guard Times

F ROM THE LEADERSHIP

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n the past couple of months, we have had many opportunities to welcome home our heroes from overseas service and celebrate their homecoming in communities across the state. From Buffalo to Long Island, our Citizen Soldiers, their families and communities enjoyed the official tributes for their hard work and sacrifice during last year’s deployments.

As we look to wrap up our welcome home ceremonies and Freedom Salutes for our Guardsmen and women back from overseas, we Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto close the chapter on one part of our duties and The Adjutant General turn the page to the challenges ahead.

Our close target is reorganizing our forces and more importantly, our Soldiers and Airmen for the roles, functions and skills for the structure of the Guard’s transformation.

Transformation for our force is not a far off goal. We are well into that game and rapidly moving downfield already. Soldiers in the 27th Brigade Combat Team and now the 42nd Infantry Division can see the rapid growth in training and new skills that will be part of these forces.

In the Guard, we’ve been down this road many times before. What makes this transformation unique is the fact that we continue to support our nation at war while we make the important changes to our force to meet the needs of future deployments or contingencies.

The reorganization of our Army Guard forces means more opportunities for our Citizen Soldiers and I have directed that we assign each Soldier to their new positions this summer to get past the uncertainty and turbulence of the changeover. Let’s get this part done and on with our business of training, equipping and manning our force.

Our goal for this year is to set the conditions for a successful transformation and build an adaptable team. We must be flexible to the changing needs of our nation’s Army and Air Force while always keeping our eye on the homeland security needs of our neighbors and communities here in New York.

To reach our goal we’ll need each and every Soldier, Airmen, sailor and Marine.

Our combat veterans who remain in the ranks will be a key part of our success. They are the mentors and trainers of a whole new generation of Guardsmen and women who sign up to serve. We must continue to encourage the retention of these great Soldiers and Airmen during their transition back to duties and training at our armories and air bases across the state.

I am also encouraged by the Guard’s Recruiting Incentive Program that offers real benefits to our Soldiers who welcome their friends into our Guard family and benefit from the financial rewards. Every Soldier who really adds to our strength can receive the rewards they deserve.

While we continue to recruit new members and reenlist our most experienced servicemen and women, I also want to remind you that we will retain each of them as a family.

As spring turns to summer, I also want to make sure that as a force, we take the time to recognize the key national holidays of Memorial Day and Independence Day. As part of our nation’s military, we will honor our fallen comrades and take pride in the birth of our country with parades, picnics, speeches and fanfare. I encourage all our units to include families as part of their community events and continue to open their doors to their neighbors.

Your work continues to inspire me. Our nation’s leaders and our neighbors continue to see the service and sacrifice of our National Guardsmen and women as a cornerstone of our defense of our homeland and a key partner in our operations overseas. !

Soldiers tap G-RAP for big cash

By Maj. Kathy Sweeney Guard Times Staff LATHAM — Pfc. Joelle Kalfus is on a roll. Since the inception of the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP) in January she has 11 Soldier submissions enrolled in the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG).

The potential payoff — if all applicants graduate from basic training — is $22,000.

The Army National Guard launched the G-RAP to achieve its accessions mission of 70,000 enlistments and meet its end-strength goal of 350,000 Guard members.

Since its inception, thousands of NYARNG Soldiers have registered as Recruiting Assistants, which have submitted hundreds of recruitment leads.

Kalfus has already received payment for two of her enlistments and she is ensuring that her other registered leads complete the process.

“I joined the National Guard initially because I couldn’t afford college costs,” she said. But her motivation changed quickly. “The first time I put on a uniform I stood a little bit taller, from that point on, my mind was made up to make this a career. The Army National Guard is a whole different world, a whole different feeling… you represent a group of amazing and heroic people. You have to earn the right to wear the uniform and earn the respect of other soldiers.” When G-RAP started, Kalfus was inspired. “I was up for a challenge and that’s exactly how I see this program. So far, I’ve received $6,000, and I’m awaiting

Pfc. Joelle Kalfus, left, holds a check for $1,000 for enrolling an Army recruit, right, through the G-RAP. File photo.

payment on two other Soldiers for a possible total of $8,000.”

She has seven other individuals enrolled in the G-RAP program, so she is actively involved in their recruitment.

“I wouldn’t be able to live the lifestyle that I do without the extra money that drill weekend, G-RAP incentives and the bonuses have provided.”

Soldiers apply at www.GuardRecruitingAssistant.com.

Applicants are verified and hired by a private contractor, not the ARNG. Upon enlistment, RAs receive an initial payment of $1,000, plus a second $1,000 payment upon successful shipment to basic training.

Sgt. Matt Scheuer, a student at Niagara University who serves with Charlie Company, 427th BSB, Buffalo, also experienced a high payoff from the G-RAP; as of May, he received $5,000 from a potential $6,000, or three G-RAP submissions.

“I’m happy to recruit people into the Army National Guard,” Scheuer said, “the G-RAP is a good program.”

1st Lt. Joseph Laiosa, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-108th Infantry Division, Utica, also has three G-RAP submissions. Sgt. Felicia Bruno, Pvt. David Dougherty, Pvt. Jason O’Kelly and Pvt. Jorge Pesok round out the NYARNG’s remaining top G-RAP submissions with two each. !

Guard Times

G UARD N OTES Free Defensive Driving Course online An online version of the Army National Guard’s National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course is now available online to all Traditional (M-Day), Title 10, and Title 32 Soldiers. This program is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and wherever internet access is available. Completion takes approximately three hours.

An access code is available through your state safety office — New York: DSN 489-4389 or COM 518-786-4389.

The program meets the requirements of AR 385-55, Prevention of Motor Vehicle Accidents and provides students with a DoD 346, Certificate of Completion. To access the web site, go to: www.safetyserve.com/arng.

Education network a tailored tool Looking for a two-year degree, four-year degree or a certificate program?

There’s an online network that will assist in your research: www.petersons.com/ airforce. This network is the U.S. Air Force’s Library, Education Resource Center. There, you can review the schools that meet your criteria. You also have free access to a wide-range of materials that help you find the right educational program, prepare for an important exam and plan your career.

Guard band seeks new members The New York Guard (NYG) recently announced an expansion of its 89th Army Band to include more instrumentalists and a vocalist.

Increased NYG Band requests within the New York National Guard (NYNG) as well as increased support for community events are a reason for the expansion.

The NYG Band additionally intends to add vocals as a new dimension to its current instrumental band.

While all musicians are welcome to join the NYG Band, there is a special need for clarinets, saxophones, flutes and percussionists. Interested musicians should email Bandmaster, NYG Sgt. 1st Class Harris C. Jones, at nygband@frontiernet.net.

Musicians have always played a major role in military forces. The NYG Band participates in Veterans Day ceremonies, VA hospital events and other patriotic venues. The band was voted “Best Marching Band” in the Northern Westchester/ Putnam St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 12 in Mahopac.

The New York Guard, to include the NYG Band, is an all-volunteer professional component of the N.Y. organized militia as recognised by state law.

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Rainbow welcomes new commander Brig. Gen. Paul C. Genereux, Jr., takes charge of the 42nd Infantry Division

By Staff Sgt. Peter K. Towse 42nd Infantry Division Public Affairs TROY – True to form, a rainbow finally broke through the clouds following a day long soaking of rain showers as the command of the 42nd Infantry Division, the Army’s famous Rainbow Division, passed from Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto to Brig. Gen. Paul C. Genereux, Jr. The change of command ceremony took place April 22 at the division headquarters armory here before assembled guests, former commanders and Rainbow Division Soldiers.

Taluto described his command of the division as a period of blessing for being with the unit at one of the highest points of its illustrious history. “That is a memory that can never be erased,” Taluto said. “It will be with me forever and so will all of you.”

During the ceremony, Genereux received the division colors from Lt. Gen. Russell L. Honoré, the First U.S. Army Commander. The passing of unit colors is an Army tradition signifying the transfer of command responsibilities to its new leaders.

The 42nd Infantry Division has a long history of accomplishments starting in World War I when then-Col. Douglas MacArthur helped form the division from National Guard units across 26 states and the District of Columbia.

The division reactivated in World War II and served in southern France, liberating the notorious Concentration Camp in Dachau in the spring of 1945. The division has served in the National Guard since 1947, responding to both state and nation for crisis and natural disasters. In 2001, the Rainbow Division helped lead the response of the New York National Guard at the World Trade Center terrorist attack and went on to mobilize units from across the division for successful operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“I leave the division team in great hands … and that is of great comfort to me,” Taluto said. “Paul Genereux is a committed, experienced leader who is fiercely loyal to the New York Army National Guard and to the Division team. Along with his years of experience, he has the will and the unquestionable capability to lead this division in its post deployment environment.”

Genereux graduated from Manhattan College in May 1972 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He entered military service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in October of that year. With over 35 years of service, including time in the Army Reserve, New York and Pennsylvania Army National Guards, Genereux’s experience (See RAINBOW, page five)

Air Guard offers $2,000 for recruits To help reach its accession mission, the Air National Guard launched the Guard Recruiting Assistant Program April 24. The program is designed for traditional guardsmen to volunteer as recruiting assistants (RAs). RAs become employees of a company contracted by the ANG to facilitate the program. They will be paid for both prior service and non-prior service leads generated that result in an enlistment. For NPS, payment is $1,000 when their lead enlists and another $1,000 when that same lead ships to basic military training.

Leads must be new and can not have already been entered in the recruiting system.

Active Guard Reserve , Active Duty for Special Work , Military Technicians, Military Personnel Appropriation Man-Day Airmen and immediate family members of full-time ANG recruiters are not currently authorized to participate in G-RAP; part of the online application process requires applicants to certify they are not in any of these positions, and part of the evaluation of the applicant will be to determine the validity of this disclaimer.

If you’re interested in becoming a Guard Recruiting Assistant, apply online at www.guardrecruitingassistant.com and click on the ANG logo. Guard members can also call Senior Master Sgt. N. Dion Adamson, State Recruiting and Retention Superintendent at 518-786-4326.

The program is currently authorized for 1,000 enlistments.

Lt. Gen. Russell Honore, left, commanding general, First Army, passes the 42nd Infantry Division guidon to Brig. Gen. Paul C. Genereux, Jr. Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Towse.

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Guard Times

Bosses take peek into guardsmen’s lives

By Staff Sgt. Peter K. Towse 42nd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Employers from the Rochester area get ready for a flight in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

ROCHESTER – Sixty employers visited the 142nd Aviation Battalion on April 7 and got the chance to see firsthand exactly what their citizen Soldiers do for the National Guard during their time away from work.

The Rochester-based event, known as a boss flight, was hosted by the local Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the 142nd Aviation Battalion. The event served to thank the employers for their dedication and continued support to the Soldiers in the National Guard and Reserves.

“Today’s event was to promote awareness and gain a support and understanding by employers,” said James Vogel, the committee chair of the Genesee area committee of ESGR and a retired Marine Corps colonel. “It was also to help them understand the dual role Soldiers have as a citizen and military member.”

Federal law requires that employers give time to their employees necessary to complete their obligation to the National Guard – and that sometimes means a lot of time.

In this day and age a guardsman be called away from a job up to 18 months, sometimes two years. The National Guard and Reserves now make up 51 percent of the total armed forces and the National Guard is becoming

Major Lawernce Guenther, Deputy Director, Northeast ESGR explains night vision goggles to Jeffrey Joseph at a static display of military equipment.

more critical due to the reduction in the Active Army. With the strength of the New York Army National Guard reaching approximately 16,000, whole communities feel the effect when a local unit is called away on a deployment.

“Without the support of the employers, it is very difficult for the Guard and Reserve to do their mission,” said Maj. Lawrence Guenther, Deputy Director of the North East Region of the ESGR. “One of the biggest problems that employers face is trying to find a replacement if the employee is going to be gone for a long time.”

“Without the support of the employers, it is very difficult for the Guard and Reserve to do their mission.”

— Maj. Lawrence Guenther Deputy Director, Northeast ESGR

In the morning, employers met with representatives of the ESGR and the commanding officer of the 142nd, Lt. Col. Mark Stryker. The employers received a briefing on the role the National Guard has in the Armed Forces and their part in global security. They also received a safety briefing from the pilots and there was a large display of the different helicopters in the 142nd along with night vision goggles and some of the equipment pilots wear while flying.

After all the briefings and the question and answer time, the employers were given a 45 minute flight on a CH-47 Chinook – the workhorse of Army helicopters. The flight took them around the city of Rochester at 1,500 feet.

“Today was awesome,” said Rene Capizzi, Joseph Lentz takes a moment to record a trailing Chinook. Photos by Staff Sgt. Peter K. Towse.

(See ESGR, page five)

Guard Times

Rainbow, from page three spans both enlisted and officer command and staff positions in military skill fields in the combat arms and combat support fields.

Lt. Gen. Russell L. Honoré ushered Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto out and welcomed in the division’s new leader. “Today we are recognizing the great works of the 42nd Division under the care and command of Joe Taluto – a great leader who has the right stuff,” Honoré said. “So much so that he is now the Adjutant General of the New York National Guard and Commander of the New York Army National Guard … I know he can do it.”

“And coming aboard to take the reins at this time is General Genereux…his leadership and background will fill the bill for this great organization,” Honoré said. “He was in the trenches with Gen. Taluto and he has learned well. He knows the organization and better yet, he understands the organization and the Soldier.

Brig. Gen. Genereux deployed to Iraq as the 42nd Infantry Division’s deputy commander for maneuver. He oversaw command and control of combat operations in the four provinces of North Central Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. “General Genereux has Command Sgt. Maj. Fearnside by his side, an outstanding staff of veterans and dedicated Soldiers who will tackle the difficult job of transforming the division while retaining its great Soldiers and attracting a new generation of Rainbow Soldiers,” Taluto said. “Paul, you and your team have all my confidence.”

Following the division’s return from Iraq, the unit began reorganization as part of the Army’s modular force transformation. The entire division, with brigades and battalions across ten states, will convert its brigade structures to those of modular brigade combat teams and the division headquarters will be converted as a unit of employment for the command and control of a brigade based force.

“Today, the 42nd Infantry Division embraces a new challenge of transformation to meet the needs of our Army,” said Brig. Gen. Paul C. Genereux, Jr., the new commander of the division. “Our structure will change, but our mission remains the same.”

Genereux assumes command from the current division commander, Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, who has assumed the role of the Adjutant General after 40 years of service in the New York Army National Guard. Taluto has served as the 42nd’s division commander since Oct. 6, 2002.

“The division will be a ready and relevant force, key to our nation’s defense,” Genereux said. “We will build on our greatest strength, the skill and experience of our Soldiers. General Taluto, thank you for your leadership, your dedication to duty, your unwavering service to our country, our state and the Rainbow Division. Thank you for the opportunity to command this great division.” !

ESGR, from page four a dental hygienist in the city of Rochester.

Capizzi is always interested in finding out more about the Guard, but has not had the chance until now. “It gave me a better insight of what the National Guard does,” she said “I was ignorant of what the National Guard did before today. To be exposed to these Soldiers’ lives is fascinating. I received a better perspective on what they do and now I understand why they do their jobs.”

“Today is something that we all could have used 30 years ago,” said Joe Lentz, a hardware and software engineer with Kodak and native of Kendal. “I think that employers are

becoming much more aware of the Soldier’s needs, especially since the first Gulf War.” Lentz was in the armed forces from 1974 to 1980 and again from 1991 to1993. He has two sons and a daughter in the National Guard.

“In my heyday – during the Vietnam ere, we [the Soldiers] did not have the positive visibility of the employers and now, because of the Gulf Wars, there is a stronger relationship and a lot of employers are coming around to see their aspect of it,” he said.

“Today, we got the mission accomplished,” Vogel said. “Today, we garnished some new support for the Guard and Reserve. The one word most of the employers were using today was ‘awesome’.” !

Recognize your employer for their support of your service.

Nominate them for a ‘Patriot Award’ at:

www.esgr.org The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve awards a certificate and a Patriot Lapel Pin on behalf of the Department of Defense to eligible employers. All members of the National Guard and Reserve forces can nominate their employers for the awards. A certificate will be given to all employers that are nominated.

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NYNM appoints decoratedsenior enlisted Sailor

By Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith Guard Times Staff LATHAM — Rear Adm. Robert A. Rosen, Commander, New York Naval Militia (NYNM), here, recently announced the appointment of Master Chief Petty Officer Bob Clark to the position of Master Chief Petty Officer of the NYNM. “My sincere thanks to Admiral Rosen Master Chief Petty Officer Bob Clark for the opportunity to serve, and my sincere appreciation to the entire NYNM Command Staff, here, who have been very supportive and a pleasure to work with,” Clark said.

With this appointment, Clark now serves as the NYNM’s highest-ranking enlisted member and is responsible for overseeing its more than 3,000 enlisted personnel.

Additionally, Clark serves as the enlisted force advocate on the NYNM leadership council and updates Admiral Rosen on the enlisted voice.

“I will be traveling around to the state’s various work centers, meeting our Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard men and women and listening to their needs and concerns,” Clark said. He went on to say that he is also focused on enlisted recognition programs, training and ensuring enlisted personnel are aware of events and the opportunities for participation. Community awareness and support of our mission is another goal, Clark said, because community support directly contributes to a strong, well-manned and trained militia.

“My travels to the various centers will advertise the uniqueness of the NYNM and its strong ties to the reserves,” Clark said. “Most members of the NYNM are also members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserves, which benefits both memberships because of access to equipment and training.”

Although Clark has been a NYNM member for more than 40 years, he agreed that it’s more rewarding than “I’m very excited about ever.

“I’m very excited about the future the future of the NYNM...” of the NYNM, especially its Maritime Emergency Boat Service, —Master Chief Petty Officer Bob Clark which provides homeland security Master Chief Petty Officer of the NYNM for the State,” Clark said. “[The MEBS] has a real and important maritime mission ... and its enlisted folks really look forward to supporting the Adjutant General, the Governor and N.Y.’s citizens.”

Clark enlisted in the Navy in 1965. Upon initial training, Clark was sent to the USS Guadalcanal before deploying with the 1st Marine Division to Vietnam in 1968. There, Clark was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received while assisting injured Marines. He returned stateside in 1969 and completed his active duty career in 1970 at the Washington Navy Yard.

Following his separation, Clark returned to upstate New York and immediately joined the Naval Reserve and the State’s Naval Militia.

During the next 25 years, Clark served with the Whitestone Naval Reserve Center, the New Rochelle Naval Reserve Center, the Fort Schuyler Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center. He also served aboard the USS Waccamaw, USS Coronado, USS Forrestal, USS Lexington , USS Boulder, USS Nassau, USS Tortuga and the USS Ticonderoga.

In 1990, Clark earned Master Chief Hospital Corpsman and became the Command Master Chief for the New Rochelle Naval Reserve Center. Clark completed more than 30 years of service; 10 while attached to the Marine Corps in Vietnam and at the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Fort Schuyler. In 1996, he joined the 105th Medical Squadron, Stewart ANGB. There, he put his skills to use as a first aid trainer.

Clark lives in Kerhonkson. He has two children: Navy Lt. Christopher Clark and Army Spc. Elena Clark. He is a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, 1st Marine Division Association, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, New York Naval Militia Association, Navy League, Air Force Sergeants’ Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. !

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Guard Times

Soldiers, families recognized with ‘Freedom Salute’

By Staff Sgt. Peter K. Towse 42nd Infantry Division Public Affairs SYRACUSE — Soldiers and family members gathered for a Freedom Salute Awards Ceremony March 11 - 12 to recognize members of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion for their part in Operation Noble Eagle.

“Operation Noble Eagle was a mission of enhanced visible security,” said Maj. Andrew St. Denis, the 427th Battalion Commander and native of Syracuse. “The Soldiers have provided security at the tunnels, subways, bridges and airports in New York State and greater New York City since the attacks of September 11, 2001.”

Operation Noble Eagle supports Task Force Empire Shield, and Col. Daniel T. Maney, the 27th Brigade Commander congratulated and thanked the Soldiers for a mission well done.

“We want to recognize the Soldier’s effort and the family’s effort,” Maney said. “They need to be proud of themselves. They may not immediately recognize the importance of the duty they performed … however the population, the citizens of New York City, felt more secure seeing the Soldiers there.”

The Freedom Salute also honored three Soldiers who mobilized to Iraq with the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

“The ceremony is about the Soldier and their families,” St. Denis said. “Over 500 members of the 427th were activated both on federal and state active duty for Operation Noble Eagle and our mission was a success because of the support of the families.”

“This Freedom Salute is an opportunity to recognize Soldiers and their service to their country,” said Maj. Gen. Robert A. Knauff, the Deputy Adjutant General.

Staff Sgt. Cindy Marcinkowski, a native of Red Creek, receives an encased American flag from the Deputy Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Robert Knauff, for her service during Operation Noble Eagle. Marcinkowski, a supply specialist for company B, performed security operations at the Albany International Airport from November 2001 to February 2002. Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Towse.

“These Noble Eagle Soldiers were the face the public got to see. What was seen at the airports and the stations and the bridges is the face of the Army National Guard … the face of New York’s militia.”

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history that began in December 2003. The Campaign has recognized over 100,000 deserving Soldiers, family members and employers for their contributions since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

As part of the event, Soldiers received an encased American flag, commemorative coin, a defender of freedom lapel pin and a certificate of appreciation from the Army National Guard. The spouse or family member received a lapel pin and the children of the Soldier received a Future Soldier Footlocker that includes the Daring Eagle board game, Mission Command card game, and Army National Guard trading cards.

“When the nation called ... you were there,” Maney said. “Great job, hooah job. Thank you very much.” !

Army must change to remain relevant, top general says

By Sgt. Sara Wood American Forces Press Service

Second, the Army recognizes that intellectual change precedes physical change, so the Army is changing the way it trains leaders to make them more versatile, McNeill said. The Army needs versatile, adaptive leaders that are able to operate in changing TACOMA, Wash. – The U.S. Army is the greatest it’s ever been, but to remain effective environments and make tough decisions, he said. To that end, the Army is undertaking for the future, it must make changes, a top Army commander said here March 12. a major review of how it trains, educates and assigns leaders, he said.

“As good as the Army is today, we will need a better one tomorrow,” Army Gen. Dan The third idea is that soldiers’ effectiveness depends on a national commitment to K. McNeill, commander of U.S. Army Forces recruit, train and support them properly, McNeill Command, said at the Pacific Northwest National said. This commitment must be underwritten by Security Forum. “We will need it because the strategic consistent investment in Army equipment and landscape in which we operate is changing; it is programs, he said.

“As good as the Army is today, we becoming considerably more complex.”

Lastly, as the Army transforms, leaders must will need a better one tomorrow.”

The U.S. no longer faces enemies with traditional remember where they started, McNeill said. At the armies as it did in the Cold War, but a network of beginning of the war in Iraq, many units were under— Gen. Dan K. McNeill insurgents who employ irregular tactics and have no equipped or ill- prepared for deployments, especially Commander, U.S. Army Forces Command regard for human dignity, McNeill said. The Army, reserve and National Guard units, he said. To fill these along with the other services, is changing to more slots, the Army pulled people from other units, which effectively fight these enemies and to be prepared for created a domino effect in readiness, he said. Army unforeseeable future threats, he said. leaders learned from these mistakes and have changed As the Army undergoes transformation, leaders keep in mind four key ideas that bring the way they do business so that will not happen again, he said. the force together, McNeill said.

The Army is on the right road of transformation, but it still has progress to make and First, Army leadership remains committed to producing units that are trained and will need continued financial support in key areas, McNeill said. Recruiting and ready for the challenges they will face, he said. To do this, the Army has overcome retention efforts, the Future Combat Systems program, the Army Force Generation years of under-funding and has changed the way it does business to ensure resources Model, and Army installations are all things that will need funding to ensure the Army will always be available, he said. remains able to perform its mission, he said. !

Guard Times

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A fine day for leading a parade 69th Infantry Regiment leads renewed St. Pat’s tradition

By Maj. Les’ Melnyk Historian, National Guard Bureau WASHINGTON – For the 155th time in its history, New York’s own “Fighting 69th” led the St. Patrick’s Day Parade – the world’s oldest and largest celebration dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland – through Manhattan on March 17.

The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment reflects the demographics of the city it has always called home. But once a year its Soldiers shed their diversity to tell everyone “I’m Irish” in this event. This year, they said it with greater pride than ever before to a city that came out to cheer their return.

At St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Edward Cardinal Egan dedicated his mass to 19 members of the battalion who were killed in action in Iraq. At Times Square, three huge video screens, which dominate the north end, were lit up with messages welcoming the battalion back. At the 102year-old armory, on Lexington Avenue and 26th Street, they were decked out for a party, the likes of which it hadn’t seen since 1946 – the last time the 69th returned from war.

Making the day even more special, some 50 Soldiers of Louisiana’s 256th Infantry Brigade arrived to march and celebrate with the battalion. The Louisiana Soldiers, along with many members of the brigade’s staff, paid their own airfares for a chance to see the “big city” and reunite with their wartime comrades.

“It’s a vacation for us, and we needed one,” said Col. Ron Johnson, wartime deputy commander of the 256th and the brigade’s current commander. Hurricane Katrina deprived his Soldiers the kind of welcome home ceremony they had dreamed about. Here was a chance to make up for it.

During its year in Iraq, the battalion had been assigned to the brigade, known as the “Tiger Brigade”. In Iraq, the

69th Infantry Regiment Soldiers march through Manhattan. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Rheinhardt.

reorganized battalion was designated Task Force Wolfhound in honor of the 69th’s mascot, the Irish Wolfhound. It is the Irish wolfhound’s nature that the Fighting 69th took for its motto and so ably personified while in Iraq: “Gentle when stroked – fierce when provoked.”

The 69th has served as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade’s Honor Guard since it was organized in 1851. Antiimmigrant emotions in that day often turned violent. In fact, another famous New York regiment, the 71st Infantry, was organized around the same time and adopted the nickname “American Guard”. Their purpose: to keep an eye on the growing immigrant population, particularly the Irish.

The battalion’s traditions are what make the St.

Patrick’s Day Parade special. There, every Soldier wore a sprig of boxwood on their uniform, which recalls the battle of Fredericksburg, in 1862, when the 69th went into battle without its distinctive, green regimental flag. As the Soldiers moved forward in that doomed assault, they placed boxwood in their caps so that they could still “march under the green” – legend has it that after the battle the bodies found closest to the Confederate lines had boxwood in their caps.

Officers and senior noncommissioned officers, in a nod to the battalion’s heritage, carried “Fighting Sticks” made of Irish blackthorn wood, and the officers convened that morning in their commander’s office, amidst the Civil War flags, regimental silver and the medals of honor displayed on the wall to drink a toast to the 69th: Irish whiskey, of course.

When the battalion assembled, Chaplain, Col. Edward P. Kane, led them out of the armory with the Chaplain’s Flag in a reenactment of a “church parade”. Kane said, “We are commemorating when the 69th defended the old cathedral down on Mott Street from an anti-Irish mob.”

The battalion marched from the armory on 26th Street to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Police cleared the way up Madison Avenue on their motorcycles, and the Soldiers shouted “jodies”, which echoed off the surrounding skyscrapers. Bleary-eyed New Yorkers gazed on, and many shouted words of encouragement.

As they marched into the cathedral for morning mass, led, as always, by the regimental piper playing “Garryowen”, all 3,000 seats were full, and the attendees gave the Soldiers a standing ovation as they marched in.

After mass, the battalion formed up and marched down to the start of the parade. They were joined by the 69th Veterans Corps, which marches immediately behind the active battalion. Two Irish wolfhounds greeted them.

Three bands lined up to march with the battalion, and each of them repeatedly played “Garryowen”.

Then, it was up Fifth Avenue as thousands cheered.

At the end of the parade, several hundred Soldiers and

The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, attaches the campaign streamer to the battalion colors. Photo by Sgt. Ed Ballaban.

(See PARADE, page nine)

8

Sexualassault prevention begins withYou

By Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith Guard Times Staff LATHAM – Sexual assault is damaging to its victims and is a challenge to our nation, and the military is not immune. In 2004, there were 1700 reported sexual assaults within the military, and in the United States a rape is reported about once every five minutes.

With such info, it goes without

Guard Times saying that sexual assault will not be tolerated in the National Guard.

The New York National Guard (NYNG), here, is currently integrating a new Military Services’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, developed by the Department of Defense, to raise awareness about and prevent sexual assault.

“We are currently establishing reporting chains, completing mandatory training for key personnel and sending training packets to units for Soldiers and Airmen,” said Lt. Col. Theresa VanCort, NYNG coordinator. “We ask for statewide support of activities and to emphasize the

unequivocal message that sexual assault has no place in our organization and preventing it is every service member’s responsibility.”

According to the DoD, its SAPR

In 2004, there were 1,700 reported sexual assaults within the military ... program should increase the climate of confidence in which: sexual assault, and the attitudes

that promote it, are not tolerated; victims of sexual assault receive the care and support that they need; and the offenders are held accountable for their actions.

The program’s policies and commitments are key components of its integration. The program identifies what actions are considered sexual assault to eliminate potential assaults through professional education.

The military is making a “career long commitment” in educating its ranks through the SAPR program.

This means Guard members will find sexual assault awareness training integrated into their professional military education,

UH-60 Black Hawks support New Horizons

By Capt. Mike Chillstrom Public Affairs, New Horizons LA CEIBA, Honduras – Although they were more than 2,000 miles from home, 150 New York National Guard members played a key role, here, in New Horizons 2006.

New Horizons is a joint task force training exercise between the U.S. military and the Honduran government, which ultimately strives to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Honduras.

For New Horizons 2006, the joint task force built a maternity clinic and four schools, and it provided free medical care at 14 different locations, in and around the coastal city of La Ceiba. A battalion of New York Army National Guard aviators helped the joint task forces’ achieve their success.

The 3/142nd Combat Support Aviation Battalion (CASB), Latham, N.Y., deployed here Feb. 2 with three UH-60 Black Hawks.

The helicopter crews provided standby

MEDEVAC, shuttled mail to and from Soto Cano Air Base and flew distinguished visitors over the area.

The battalion’s main mission was casualty evacuation (MEDEVAC) and supporting the joint task force at its work sites. Maj. Mark Slusar, 3/142nd CASB detachment commander, said the helicopter crews were ready to respond to any serious injuries and could provide medevac anywhere joint task forces operated.

Soldiers of the New Horizons task force off-load a UH-60 Black Hawk from a 105th Airlift Wing C-5 Galaxy in Honduras. Photo by Capt. Mike Chillstrom.

leadership development and predeployment training.

“New York’s Guard members will learn more about the SAPR program in the coming months … I look forward to everyone’s participation,” VanCort said.

New York National Guard members looking for more information on the Military Services’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program can contact NYNG’s SAPR coordinator, Lt. Col. Theresa VanCort, at the Joint Forces Headquarters: 518-786-4872 or the NYNG Family Programs Coordinator, Mrs. Beverly Keating, at: 518-768-4525. !

“Basically, if it involves loss of eyesight, life or limb ... that’s where we come in,” Slusar said. He added that it was the battalion’s third participation in New Horizons. “We came to Honduras in 1999 after Hurricane Mitch, then we were in Nicaragua in 2002 and, now, here we are again.”

For Slusar, the most rewarding missions were the local orientation flights where joint task force passengers received a taste of helicopter flight.

“I really enjoyed sharing what I do with the young Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors who’ve never flown in a helicopter before. It’s something they’ll remember,” he said.

Poorly lit towers, old maps, a large bird population, mountainous terrain and extreme temperatures all complicated air operations here, said the helicopter crews.

“There are lots of obstacles here,” said Sgt. Shaun Bradley, 3/142nd CASB crew chief. “My main mission is making sure we don’t hit any.”

The UH-60 Black Hawks were airlifted from Latham aboard a New York Air National Guard, 105th Airlift Wing, C-5 Galaxy. This required 3/142nd CASB maintenance crews to disassemble and reassemble all three helicopters. It took them nearly three days to reassemble the helicopters here and have them mission ready. Sergeant Bradley said that for every hour of flight, a UH-60 Black Hawk requires at least one hour of maintenance, which includes inspections of the rotor blades, connections, fluids and overall aircraft.

“We hadn’t any major [maintenance] problems,” said Sgt. 1st Class Todd Bouleris, mechanic. “We put ... [flight] time on them, and when you exercise these machines they have a tendency to hold together.”

“This [New Horizons] is great real-world training because you’re actually doing a mission that affects peoples’ lives,” Bouleris said. “Being able to perform a wide variety of missions makes the UH-60 Black Hawk an integral part.” !

Guard Times

9

Operation Salami Drop still dropping troop support Deli in N.J. takes up WWII slogan: ‘Send a salami to your boy in the Army’

By Staff Sgt. Peter K. Towse 42nd Infantry Division Public Affairs NEWARK, N.J. — What started out as sending a single salami to a friend blossomed into shipping over 15,000 sausages to the Soldiers in Iraq.

Operation Salami Drop was started by brothers Mike and Marc Brummer, owners of the restaurant and deli known as Hobby’s in Newark, N.J., and was their way of ‘adopting’ the over 23,000 troops of the 42nd Infantry Division.

“I sent my old college roommate, Michael Rothman, a salami when he landed in Iraq in January 2005,” said Michael Brummer, co-owner of Hobby’s Restaurant and Delicatessen.

“Other Soldiers loved the idea, so I sent some more. Today, we are hanging our 16,000th salami.”

Not only were the Brummer brothers hanging the salamis, the patrons of Hobby’s joined in with enthusiasm. It was not long before the restaurant walls were covered with hanging packages of salted and smoked sausages ready for drying.

“Our customers and the people across America have donated all the salamis that have been sent to Iraq,” Michael said. “Every state except Hawaii and Alaska has sent a check to us.”

The Hobby’s owners said that all it takes is $10 to send a salami to a Soldier in Iraq and 100 percent of all the money donated goes into buying and shipping the salami.

“They are there for us so we can be home with our families,” said Marc Brummer, Michael’s brother and co-owner of Hobby’s. “They are there defending our way of life. You have to do something … what can we do? We can do salamis, so that is what we did.”

The idea all started when the brothers learned of their father receiving salami from home during World War II. Samuel Brummer, the former owner of the 90-year-old deli who has been in the salami business for over 50 years, recalls getting salami while he was overseas. “I told my boys about when I was in the service and how I used to get salamis from home,” Samuel said.

Samuel was part of the 29th Infantry Division —a National Guard Division comprised of units from MD, VA and PA, and landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion.

“Everyone in the platoon would line up for a slice,” he said.

“My sons picked up on the idea and started sending salamis to Iraq. It’s no big deal, but it is a big deal.”

Once the interest was sparked, the rest was, well, salami history.

“My brother looked at me and said that he wanted to do this for everyone in [Rothman’s] division,” Marc said. “We had no clue what we just signed up for—we had no idea that there were over 23,000 troops in his division—but we took it on and said let’s do the best we can do for these Soldiers.”

“My brother put flyers on the tables of the restaurant to see if we could send a few hundred, maybe even 1,000 salamis to the 42nd Infantry Division in Tikrit, Iraq,” Michael said. “Low and behold, people got wind of it and it has blossomed into something more than we thought would ever happen.”

Steven Vlumenkranz, a longtime patron of Hobby’s, joined in on the salami fray while enjoying a cup of coffee. “I feel strongly about supporting the troops,” he said. Vlumenkranz is and an employee of E&L Battery and Ignition, the first company to donate 100 salamis to the Soldiers in the 42nd.

“Boys, we love ya’ and thanks for protecting us.”

“When we hit 10,000 salamis, I couldn’t believe it,” Michael said. “And now, only just over a year since our first shipment, we are hanging salami number 16,000. It is an amazing thing.”

Now that the 42nd Infantry Division is home from Iraq, the Brummer brothers are focusing on other units in Iraq and hope to expand the operation to units in Afghanistan.

“We have only shipped to Iraq but plan on shipping to Afghanistan very soon,” Michael said. “Most of the salamis we ship now are email requests from Soldiers and their family members.”

Over 14 tons of salami have been shipped to the troops so far and donations for another 3 tons have already been received.

“This is the best idea going,” said Dennis Schlosser, a member of American Legion #185 and native of North Caldwell, N.J., there to show his support of the troops by hanging some salamis. “When I was in Vietnam, I appreciated any little thing that was given to me.”

Once shipped to Hobby’s, the salami is hung in the restaurant for four weeks as it dries. It is turned over once a week to help speed the drying process.

“This is our way of supporting the troops and thanking them for what they are doing,” Michael said. “They are away from their families and we are here with ours. I wanted to do something specific for them.”

Hobby’s donated 10 percent of all revenues collected during the week of March 20 to the operation.

“People want to do something for the troops, but do not know what to do,” Michael said. “This gives them that chance.”

“It is a piece of home, Marc said. “It provides a little bit of sustenance and a little bit of a smile.” !

Hundreds of salamis line a wall to dry before shipment to Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Towse.

Parade, from page 7 veterans crowded onto a subway platform, waiting for the train. They carried rifles as well as the assorted drums, tubas and trombones, which are just about as lethal as the rifles in such crowded space. When the special “troop train” arrived at the platform, the train workers shouted, “No civilians! Military only!” The Soldiers boarded their very own express train, direct from 86th Street to 28th Street on the Lexington Avenue line; for any New Yorker, this was priceless.

There were hundreds of friends and family waiting when the battalion arrived at the armory. The officers, in another tradition, assembled on the steps leading into the main entrance and saluted the troops as they marched in.

What followed differed from previous years: rather than holding a formation on the drill floor, the Soldiers were seated. The colors were brought forward. Maj. Kazmierzak, representing the “Black Sheep”, along with a wounded Soldier from each of the battalion’s companies, carried forward a campaign streamer embroidered with a single word: IRAQ.

If one object could summarize all the service and sacrifice of a year and a half on active duty, this was it. Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, The Adjutant General and former commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, attached the campaign streamer to the battalion colors. It’s the 24th campaign streamer on the colors.

Unlike previous years, the medals pinned on the Soldiers here were not Army Achievement Medals and Army Commendation Medals. They were Soldier’s Medals, Bronze Star Medals for Valor and Purple Heart Medals. Also unlike previous years – peacetime years – the flowers presented were not to the wife of the outgoing commander, but to the mothers, fathers, wives and children of those who will never come home.

The Lexington Armory is located closer to Ground Zero than any other military facility in the nation. On 9/11, its Soldiers responded within hours and took turns pulling security at Ground Zero, at Grand Central Station, at West Point and at numerous other places around New York during the course of the next two years.

Then their country called on them to take the war to the enemy. On this day, they led their parade. !

10

Guard Times

High standards for Honor Guard Academy

By Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith Guard Times Staff LATHAM – On a mission to standardize its operating procedures statewide, the New York Military Forces Honor Guard (MFHG) held its first Honor Guard Academy March 21 at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs here.

The Honor Guard Academy is a one-week course that includes more than 40 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical exercises on military funeral honors.

The MFHG provides New York State veterans with appropriate honors at burial.

“Throughout the State, there are more than 250 Soldiers doing this on some type of [time] basis,” said 1st Lt. Stephen Warren, officer in charge. “Right now were trying to get those Soldiers though the class, then others will be trained as they join us.”

The class included 14 students and six instructors from the MFHG’s three regions that serve the state.

Classroom instruction included a drill and ceremony refresher as well as memorial affairs history and stress management. Practical exercise included the full range of funeral honors: flag folding, firing parties, drill and ceremony, brass sequences and urn/casket honors. Here, timing, synchronization and positioning played a key role as instructors observed the students through their routines while offering constructive criticism. Students also performed physical fitness daily.

We try to say as close to Army regulations as possible while incorporating the National Guard’s standard operating procedures, Warren said.

Everything was tested through a written test, practical exercises and uniform inspections. Drill and ceremony, modified full honors and the Six Soldier Fold were tested before the student body and the instructors. The Soldiers got one opportunity to retest.

For more information on New York’s Honor Guard and to join a detail, email Mr. Donald Roy: donald.roy@ny.ngb.army.mil, or call (518) 786-4906. !

Soldiers put the final fold in the American Flag. Photos by Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith

Spc. William Sharples lifts the Flag from a casket.

Spc. Ryan Comstock is tested on bugle honors.

Above: Students watch their peers during the classes’ final test.

Right: An instructor watches a flag folding exercise.

An instructors reviews student folders prior to practical tests.

A bugle case is closed after the class.

Guard Times

11

Guard team brings G1 to Swaziland Assistance visit sets groundwork for human resources

By Lt. Col. Theresa VanCort Deputy Military Personnel Officer MANZINI, Swaziland — Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) delivered much-needed assistance to the Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF) during an April 25 – 28 visit and workshop here.

The two-person Traveling Contact Team consisted of Guard members Lt. Col. Theresa VanCort, deputy military personnel officer and battalion commander, 56th Personnel Services Battalion (56th PSB), and Command Sgt. Maj. Joyce O’Neil, enlisted personnel manager and 56th PSB command sergeant major. Their assistance visit was held at USDF headquarters.

The U.S. Embassy in Swaziland and the Office of Bilateral Affairs in South Africa coordinated the Guard members visit with U.S. European Command. Maj. John Bradley,

liaison, N.Y. Partnership Program, Republic of South Africa , received the initial request.

The National Guard members assisted newly appointed USDF, Personnel Branch (G1) Col. T.G. Dlamini, in establishing a human resources program for the defense force.

Dlamini and his countrymen were very eager to establish a human resource (HR) program. They accomplished their mission through workshops, which engaged the G1 staff and unit adjutants, collectively; the working group exchanged references, identified critical personnel services and developed a HR structure.

“Unlike the other headquarters staff branches [ military intelligence, operations and training, and logistics] the African nation’s G1, since the inception of its defense force, has not received any form of outside military expertise,” Dlamini said.

The Guard members made recommendations and assisted in establishing milestones for the G1 staff to achieve in their HR program’s establishment.

It’s hopeful that other teams will return to Swaziland to review its progress.

“It was a beautiful country and a very

Command Sgt. Maj. Joyce O’Neil and Lt. Col. Theresa VanCort work with the Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force in Manzini, Swaziland. Photo courtesy of the State Partnership Program.

rewarding experience to help establish a system of care for USDF soldiers,” VanCort said.

“It was gratifying to be involved with the program’s initial development,” O’Neil said.

“It made me realize that Soldiers, including myself, take for granted all the programs, policies and procedures established by the

U.S. Army and the NYARNG.” O’Neil said that the experience also put into perspective how drastically different HR and the armed forces would be without its established structures.

“The USDF soldiers truly respected our experience and were very grateful for our help and input,” O’Neil said. !

State Parks searches for Purple Heart Medal recipients National Purple Heart Hall of Honor to preserve stories

By Cathy Jimenez New York State Parks Office ALBANY – The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (RHP) began a nationwide search for Purple Heart medal recipients March 16 to share stories in exhibits at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor museum under construction at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, Vails Gate.

The facility will honor Purple Heart medal recipients, veterans who were wounded or killed while serving their country.

“The new National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will serve as our nation’s only institution dedicated solely to recipients of the Purple Heart Medal and offer visitors an incredible journey through military history across generations with a unique combination of historic resources and interactive, state-of-the-art technology,” said RHP commissioner, Bernadette Castro. “Governor George E. Pataki’s commitment to preserving our heritage through this one of a kind museum will provide a destination for service men and women to share their powerful stories and poignant reminders of human sacrifice.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is planned as a 7,500 square foot facility that will honor recipients of the Purple Heart Medal through the development and presentation of a series of exhibitions and programs created with the participation of Purple Heart recipients, their friends and families. The Hall of Honor will work with veterans and families to collect invaluable personal information on the background and service information of each recipient, the circumstances surrounding their wounding, the photographs

and letters home, and copies of discharge forms or citations that document receipt of the medal. The information collected will also be included in an electronic database available onsite and on the world wide web.

The Hall of Honor will also include a reception area, gallery, exhibit hall, learning and education center for school groups and tours and a presentation room. Through historical photographs documentary film footage, period objects and videotaped recollections by veterans themselves, the Hall will provide a multimedia show exploring the spirit of the American people during times of crisis.

Governor Pataki has committed $4.1 million toward the planning, design and development of the Hall of Honor.

Other funds to support the project include $402,000 in federal HUD/VA funds secured by U.S. Representative Sue Kelly and additional donations from veterans and their families. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), the national organization whose members are Purple Heart recipients, has contributed $500,000 toward the project.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located at the

site of the final encampment of Gen. George Washington’s Army at New Windsor Cantonment and plays a central role in the history of the Purple Heart Medal. To honor service of his troops, Washington chose a select number of troops to receive a purple cloth Badge of Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart Award. The present day Purple Heart medal took as its inspiration the color and shape of the badge and added the image of George Washington to honor the man who valued the outstanding service of his soldiers. In 1932, the new Purple Heart Medal was presented to 150 World War I veterans at the New Windsor Cantonment site and the medal has been presented to over a million military personnel.

Families who would like to share their story or other materials of Purple Heart Medal recipients to be considered for the exhibition or archives to support the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, please contact the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, P.O. Box 207, Vails Gate, NY, 12584 or call (845) 561-1765. Tax deductible gifts to the Hall, in support of the ongoing development of the memorial and museum, are also being accepted. !

A rendering of the completed National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Artwork courtesy of the N.Y. State Parks Department.

12

Guard Times

109th Airlift Wing: A record DEEP FREEZE

By Maj. Jody Ankabrandt 109th Airlift Wing SCOTIA – The 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, here, completed its third record-breaking season in a row as the primary oncontinent airlift provider for the National Science Foundation’s U.S. Antarctic program (USAP) with the return of the its ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft from Operation DEEP FREEZE. Over the course of the four-month season, the Wing flew more than 526 missions to research sites throughout the Antarctic, the most ever in a single season. Of that, 377 missions were flown to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in support of the South Pole Redevelopment Project: the most ever in a single season to support the largest construction project ever conducted in the interior of the Antarctic continent. In total, approximately 14.4 million total pounds of cargo, fuel and 2,486 science and logistics support passengers were carried aboard 109AW aircraft to and around Antarctica.

According to 109AW officials, the unit exceeded pre-planned missions, performing a mission completion rate of 101 percent. These particularly significant accomplishments are extraordinary given the extreme regional weather.

“We are extremely proud of the unit’s accomplishments this season,” said Col. Max Della Pia, Wing Commander. “The weather conditions we face in any given

Landing at South Pole Station, Antarctica. Photos courtesy of the 109th Airlift Wing.

season have a significant impact on the season’s outcome, but the relentless pace of this particular record breaking season is a tribute to the airmanship of our fliers and the fortitude of our maintenance and support personnel.”

Echoing these words of tribute was the

Operations Group Commander, Col. Brian Gomula: “I can’t say enough about the performance of our Wing members,” he said. “The mission knowledge, skill and experience demonstrated by our Airmen were outstanding, but also important to the success was their relentless work-

ethic, their dedication to getting the mission done and getting it done safely.”

Veteran in Polar Regions since 1975, the Wing was honored for its takeover of the Antarctic airlift support of the National Science Foundation’s Antarctica program from the United States Navy in 1999. !

Maintenance Airmen remove ice from a Wing using heater hoses and a brush. Most on-continent aircraft maintenance is performed outdoors under extreme cold temperatures.

Guard Times

13

Left: Maintenance personnel work on an LC-130 Hercules engine. Above: The new Amudsen-Scott South Pole Station is under construction. Materials, supplies, scientists and support personnel are flown in by the 109th Airlift Wing from McMurdo Station.

The supply line to the station is one of the world’s longest.

A 109th Airlift Wing LC-130 Hercules is off-loaded with a full bay of cargo.

Left: The Hercules kicks up snow and ice on take off. Above: The South Pole.

14

Guard Times

Rainbow Division Soldiers saluted NY City and Hudson Valley-based members recognized for OIF Service

By Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo 42nd Infantry Division Public Affairs BRONX – Over 350 members of the 42nd Infantry Division, their families and guests gathered at the Fordham University Sports Arena, here, on March 26 to celebrate their service to the nation.

The Freedom Salute ceremony honored members of the division’s Aviation Brigade Headquarters, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 101st Cavalry. The event recognized members of the Army National Guard for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle and thanked their spouses, children and employers for the support they have shown to their Soldiers.

Federally activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom III in May 2004, the citizenSoldiers of the aviation brigade provided command and control for the deployment of thousands of National Guard Soldiers to form the Army aviation combat force for operations in North Central Iraq.

“What a great day! A day of recognition that you all richly deserve,” exclaimed Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, Adjutant General and former 42nd Infantry Division Commander. “In early 2004, we dedicated ourselves to a successful deployment to Iraq. We wanted to make a significant contribution to our country’s efforts in Iraq, on the front lines in the war on terror and to make history as the first National Guard division to serve in

Soldiers are applauded at their Freedom Salute ceremony. Photo by Sgt. Ed Ballaban.

combat since the Korean War,” Taluto said. “We wanted our families and our fellow countryman to be proud of our

“What a great day! A day of recognition that you all richly deserve.”

—Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto The Adjutant General work and we did what we set out to do. I hope you are as fulfilled as I am. We not only made history, we made a difference.”

Taluto thanked local elected officials and guests for their support and concern for the troops.

To the families gathered, Taluto

reminded them that, from the beginning, he has said “your love and support has given us strength. I can’t say it any batter than that.”

“Your road was as difficult, if not more so than ours,” Taluto said. “We shared in the sacrifice of service to our country, especially those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Taluto also acknowledged the 84 Task Force Liberty Soldiers who lost their lives in the course of this duty. “We ask God to bless their families,” he said.

During combat operations in Iraq, the brigade headquarters, along with the 642nd Division Aviation Support Battalion, oversaw the aerial combat and combat support for four aviation units with over 70 helicopters. The brigade flew more than 50,000 flying hours in theater, transporting more then 80,000 passengers throughout the country.

The unit also contributed towards security missions in Iraq by conducting 15 air assault missions throughout North Central Iraq, landing both American and Iraqi forces on insurgent objectives. The brigade combined elements of AH-64 Apache and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters to create enhanced attack helicopter teams, capable of providing enhanced observation and fire in support of ground forces in the area of operations.

Soldiers of the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion provided the backbone of aviation maintenance to the thousands of flight hours in one of the world’s most severe environments. Operating from a former Iraqi air force facility near Tikrit, the battalion completed more than 50 complex maintenance teardowns and inspections to ensure the readiness of the helicopter fleet.

Also recognized were Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 101st Cavalry from Staten Island and the Hudson Valley. Although part of the 42nd Infantry Division, the unit deployed to Iraq to serve with another active Army divisional headquarters. The Soldiers served as part of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry’s Task Force Wolfhound, in 2005, conducting combat patrols and raids in Baghdad to neutralize the insurgency.

During the Freedom Salute ceremony, each Soldier received an encased American flag, a lapel insignia, a commemorative coin and a certificate of appreciation from the Army National Guard. The Soldier’s spouse received a lapel insignia while Soldiers with young children were given a Future Soldier Footlocker Kit that includes the Daring Eagle board game, Mission Command card game and Army National Guard trading cards.

A unique addition to the Freedom Salute ceremonies included a musical concert performed by the USO troupe. !

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SERGEANT ABRAMOWSKI RICHARD LEE AMES MICHAEL PATRICK ANTONATOS JERRY

272D MP DET BDE LIA DET 1 CO B 2-108TH INF 4TH FINANCE DET

Army Promotions BACON RONALD STEVEN II BAEZ VICTOR MANUEL BAKER DAVAD V BRIDGE PETER GORDON JR BURNHAM MARK TIMOTHY BURNS BRIAN CARTWRIGHT DAVAD J CORA NILSA CORDOVA WILFREDO II DUNFEE BRENDAN W GILLEN MARK SCOTT GORMAN MARK DANIEL GRADY SEAN ROBERT JENKINS JAMES RUSSELL JOHNSON PETER DUANE KIRCHHOFF ANDREW M KORNACKI ANDREW A LABORIEL RENE ENRIQUE LAMOREAUX NATHAN D LAOS OSCAR CHRISTIAN LEHRMAN DASHIELL G MAIMRAN OFER MARTINEZ JOSEPH R MCTERNAN KEVIN P MELENDEZ LAURA MARIA MEYER STEVEN ADAM MIDDLETON MARVIN K NEITHARDT MICHAEL A NUNEZ JOSE DANILO OLAN LUVIMINDO EVAN PALMER RICHARD ALLEN II PIMENTEL MASSIEL ISANEL RAMSEY JEREMY RICHARD RODNEY DILLION M ROSAS VERONICA SCHELL RICHARD EARL SHARPE ZACHARY JOSEPH STUBER MICHAEL ROBERT THOMAS BRAD MICHAEL THOMAS RIGOBERTO LUIS TODD JOSHUA NATHAN TURNER ANTHONY EDWARD VANCE MITCHELL LEE WALSH SCOTT WILLIAM

H & S CO 204 ENGR BN 719 TRANS CO CO E 3-142D AVA DET 1 HHC 2-108TH INF DET 1 CO B 2-108TH INF HHC 1-101ST CAV CO A 2-108TH INF 133RD MAINT CO HHC 1-101ST CAV 2ND CIVIL SPT TEAM DET 1 HHC 2-108TH INF CO B 1-101ST CAV CO A 2-108TH INF CO C (-) 2-108TH INF HQ 53D TRP CMD CO A 2-108TH INF HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) CO D 1-101ST CAV CO B 204 ENGR BN 1569TH TRANS CO HHC 1-101ST CAV HHC 1-101ST CAV 145 OD CO MAINT FWD 442D MP CO 442D MP CO 442D MP CO BAT B 1-258TH FA CO D 1-101ST CAV CO C (-) 204TH ENGR BN CO D 1-101ST CAV 105TH MP CO HHC 101ST SIGNAL BN 105TH MP CO HHB 1-258TH FA HSC 642D SPT BN 222D MP CO (-) DET 1 CO C 2-108TH INF CO D 3-142D AVA CO B 204 ENGR BN DET 1 CO C 204TH EN BN DET 1 CO B 2-108TH INF CO B (-) 2-108TH INF CO B 204 ENGR BN 442D MP CO

SPECIALIST AGUAYZA DIANA GABRIELA ALLEN LANCE RUSSELL ANDREWS JESSE MICHAEL BALANDIS DUANE MARK BOGARDUS STEVEN LYLE BRYANT ADAM JAMES CAPELLINI JOHN ANTHONY IV CARRIGER DANIEL ADAM COLESANTI MICHAEL CARLO COOK NICHOLAS EUGENE DANIELS JASON ARTHUR DOUGHERTY MARK RYAN FAHRENFELD KENNETH V JR FERGUSON MATHEW ROBERT FISHER DARRYL DEAN GODETTE MYISHA BELICIA HAYNES JAMES A JAMISON STEPHANIE JONES TABITHA LYNN JORGE HAYDEE CELESTE KIESZNOSKI JUSTIN M LAFOREST CHRISTOPHER W MARKWICK TRACY LYN MOSS THOMAS ROBERT JR NAYLOR CHARLES G JR PLOOF TYLER WILLIAM SABGHIR BROCHA D SACCO SAMUEL II SCHOLER JOSHUA MICHAEL SPINNER LEE THOMAS STEINBERG ADAM J TAMULONIS PHILLIP A WAGNER RAUL HAMLET WONG SHIUMING DAVAD YANUSH JULIYA YOO JAY

CO B(-) 642D SPT BN CO E 3-142D AVA H & S CO 204 ENGR BN HHC (-) 2-108 INF DET 1 CO B 2-108TH INF HHC (-) BSTB 27TH IN BDE DET 1 CO A 2-108TH INF DET 2 CO B 2-108TH INF HHC 642D MI BAT CO D 3-142D AVA CO D 3-142D AVA NYARNG ELE JFHQ FWD 642 CS BN HSC REAR CO D 3-142D AVA BAT A 1-258TH FA CO B 101ST SIGNAL BN HHB 1-258TH FA 145 OD CO MAINT FWD CO A 101ST SIGNAL BN 133RD QM SUPPLY CO CO B (MAINT) 427TH BSB CO A 2-108TH INF DET 1 CO B 2-108TH INF A CO(ENG)BSTB 27TH IN CO C (-) 2-108TH INF 466TH MEDCO AREA SPT 4TH PERSONNEL SVC DET DET 1 CO B 3-126TH AVA CO D 3-142D AVA NYARNG ELE JFHQ FWD CO A 1-69TH INF CO A 101ST SIGNAL BN CO G (FSC FA) 427TH BSB HHB 1-258TH FA DET 1 107TH MP CO 4TH PERSONNEL SVC DET

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS AULICINO MATTHEW MARK BADMAN STEPHEN CHARLES BARNES FRANCINE JOANNE BARROWS JASON SCOTT BRAVO FREDDY YUMARO BURNHAM CHRISTOPHER D

CO C(-) 638 SPT BN 222D MP CO (-) CO A (DISTRO) 427TH BSB TROOP A 2-101 CAV 466TH MEDCO AREA SPT 102 MAINT CO

BUTLER DANIELLE BRIE CAMPBELL JUSTIN LEE CASALINUOVO JOSEPH F CASALINUOVO SAMUEL N COX DAVAD W DARLING DAVAD MICHAEL DEWITT BALSEY DEAN III DIAZ ZELENE ELIZABETH DOMINI KEITH PATRICK EDMOND ELIAS BERNARD EDWARDS DONALD K JR FERNANDEZ CHARLES A FERNANDEZ MIGUEL A FREDA JOHN VINCENT GELSTER ANGELO E GERWITZ BRYAN J GILL MARK ANTHONY GRUDZINSKI GARY D JR GURLEY ROBERT JACOB HUGGINS MICHAEL EDUARDO JOHNSON JOHN HARVEY W III KLEIN AMANDA NICOLE LAWLOR BRENDAN JR LENNON TIMOTHY JAMES LONECKE JUSTIN THOMAS MACHELL DAVAD BRIAN MAICUS STEVEN A II MANGANIELLO IAN MICHAEL MARTIN MICHAEL CHARLES MATTESON JOSEPH MICHAEL MCCARTHY IAN KENNETH MEEK MICHELLE MARIE MENGEL BRYAN PHILIP MORAN JENNIFER LEE NICHOLSON THOMAS ROBERT PIPER KEVIN JAMES RAMIREZ OTILIA DEL C RODRIGUEZ JIMMY SAAD SAMIR SACCENTO PHILIP JOSEPH SANDIDGE CRYSTAL LYNN SCIAMMETTA FRANK JOSEPH SINGER JEREMY HOWARD SMIETANA STEPHEN M SQUIRE RODNEY SULLIVAN SEAN JOHN TAVAREZ AMIN JOSE VINOVIRSKI JAMES RUSSEL VONLEUE EDWARD V WARSHAUER JONATHAN M WILLIAMS PRECIOUS L WILSON JESSE JAMES

42 HHC HVY DIV REAR HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) 27TH IN BDE(BCT) 27TH IN BDE(BCT) CO D 427TH BSB TROOP B 2-101 CAV (RSTA) DET 1 CO C 1-69TH INF CO C(-) 638 SPT BN DET 1 CO C 204TH EN BN 133RD QM SUPPLY CO H & S CO 204 ENGR BN 442D MP CO CO B 101ST SIGNAL BN CO C(-) 638 SPT BN HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) 27TH IN BDE(BCT) HHC 107TH SPT GROUP 27TH IN BDE(BCT) 206TH MP COMPANY DET 3 CO E 3-142D AVA DET 1 105 MP CO 4TH PER SVC DET CO D 3-142D AVA 107TH MP CO (-) 1156TH ENGR CO PO CO A 3-142D AVA CO B (-) 2-108TH INF CO A 101ST SIGNAL BN CO C (-) 2-108TH INF 204TH ENG DET CO B (-) 2-108TH INF 466TH MEDCO AREA SPT 27TH INF (BCT) 133RD MAINT CO CO B (-) 1-69TH INF CO B 204 ENGR BN CO B 101ST SIGNAL BN HHC 1-69TH INF 1ST BAT 142D AVA TROOP A 2-101 CAV 102 MAINT CO CO A 1-69TH INF 27TH INF (BCT) 187TH ENG CO DP TRK HHB 1-258TH FA 727TH MP DET L AND O 69 IN BN 01 CO A REAR 105TH MP CO HHC 427 BSB 638 SPT BN 27TH INF (BCT) 442D MP CO

PRIVATE 2 AQUINO JIMINEZ EDGAR A BAKER WILLIAM EDWARD BISHOP SHAWN MICHAEL BOYNTON RICKEYA ANDREA

37TH FINANCE DET HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) HHC 101ST SIGNAL BN

15 BROWN ARTHUR R COHEN MICHAEL D COLEMAN MICHAEL ISAAC CONOVER MATTHEW J DEJESUS LESTER LUIS DEVERO JOHN WILLIAM IV FEISS JULIAN WILLIAM II FINKS IRVING J FOX HEATHER NICOLE FRANCIS DON LESLIE GEIGER CANDY PHYILISS GILMAN ROSANN GONZALEZ GERONIMO A GRACIA GEORGE MICHAEL HAYE DENVAL DEAN HERNANDEZ RAFAEL HONSAKER CARL R JENKINS VERONICA LEIGH JIMI GABRIEL BRAMSON JONES REGINAL KEUCK DONALD JAMES JR KILBURY JAMIE LEE T KURTZ RICHARD THOMAS III LARSEN THOMAS LEO RACHEL IRENE LISKA JAMES DARIN MCKINNEY TUREL WAYNE MCLAUGHLIN ADRIAN D MCNEIL LATONYA C MENDEZ JASON J MIRANDA RAMON ORTIZ JOSHUA JOHN PASTOR JAMES PAUL JR PATTON IAN MAURICE PEREZ JOSE FELIPE PESOK JORGE PICHARDO RIVERAS MIGUEL ANGEL SAND MELISSA J SANTIFUL SEAN ALEXANDER SAYA ANDREW FRANCIS SCHWARTZ MATTHEW B SKINNER ADAM CHARLES SLATER CHRISTOPHER J SMITH AARON RUSSELL STOCKWELL CHAD RICHARD SWARTZ JEFFREY TODD TAVARES JASON WILLIAM TORRES ANGEL JR TYNER SHANITA LAVECE WALLIN JAMES P JR WARMLEY CHALRA J WATSON JOSHUA D WESTFALL REBECCA L WILLIAMS DEMETRIC LEE C WITTY RICHARD JAMES WOODS ADAM SCOTT ZEHNER SANDY M

HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) CO B (-) 1-69TH INF 727TH MP DET L AND O HHC 427 BSB 4TH PERSONNEL SVC DET 27TH IN BDE(BCT) 27TH IN BDE(BCT) 187TH ENG CO DP TRK 204TH ENG DET CO A 1-69TH INF CO A (DISTRO) 427TH BSB 442D MP CO CO G (FSC FA) 427TH BSB 442D MP CO 133RD QM SUPPLY CO HHC 107TH SPT GROUP 107TH MP CO (-) HHD 501ST ORD BN EOD 69 IN BN 01 CO A REAR HHC 1-69TH INF HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) HHT 2-101 CAV (RSTA) CO B 1-101ST CAV CO A 1-69TH INF 107TH MP CO (-) CO B (-) 2-108TH INF DET 3 CO E 3-142D AVA DET 1 CO C 204TH EN BN CO A (DISTRO) 427TH BSB 442D MP CO CO G (FSC FA) 427TH BSB DET 1 CO B 3-126TH AVA 642 CS BN HSC REAR 187TH ENG CO DP TRK HHC 1-101ST CAV 4TH FINANCE DET CO C(-) 638 SPT BN H & S CO 204 ENGR BN HHC 101ST SIGNAL BN 222D MP CO (-) CO B 204 ENGR BN CO B 204 ENGR BN CO B 204 ENGR BN 204TH ENG DET TROOP C 2-101 CAV (RSTA) CO B (MAINT) 427TH BSB CO D 1-69TH INF 719 TRANS CO CO A (DISTRO) 427TH BSB CO C(-) 638 SPT BN HHC (-) BSTB 27TH IN BDE CO A(-) 204 ENGR BN 642 CS BN HSC REAR 719 TRANS CO 222D MP CO (-) DET 1 105 MP CO HHC(-) 3-142D AVA

A score above the rest, Soldiers of the New York Counter Drug Program (NYCDP) are photographed with Union Springs Elementary School Students in Syracuse after recently awarding 60 certificates of excellence for obtaining a score of 100 percent on a Brainstorm drug education test. The NYCDP’s Brainstorm Program joins Soldiers and Airmen with third and fourth graders to educate kids on drug use and prevention. The score was a first in the last 15 years of Brainstorm. Photo courtesy of the NYCDP.

16 102 MAINT CO SGT ALBRO DANA M SPC BARR TIMOTHY ALLEN SSG BRYANT ALICIA ANN SFC FERGUSON STANLEY D SGT HIRST RAYMOND JOHN SGT LYON FRANCIS MICHAEL SGT MATTESON WILLIAM MURRAY SPC TEZENO ELIJAH KARRIEM 105TH MP CO SSG VANWIE THOMAS MICHAEL SSG WRIGHT THANE CLARENCE 107TH MP CO (-) SSG BROWN ROBERT LEE SSG BUSH JAMES LEE SGT COTRICH THALIA SPC MOWER KEVIN JOSEPH SSG WESTCOTT FREDERICK JAMES 133RD MAINT CO SGT FIEDLER KEITH WILLIAM SSG MEDINA JOSE SFC ROBINSON CARL WALFORD SGT ROSENMEYER EVAN LEE SGT SMITH JEFFREY C 133RD QM SUPPLY CO SGT GONZALEZ EDWIN SPC HARRIS ANDREA DELORES SPC HOLDER KERRY TYRONE SFC TUMMINGS CHARLES

Army Reenlistments SGT MARX STEVEN GEORGE SGT MATIAS MICHAEL MARTIN 1569TH TRANS CO SGT BRYANT REGINALD ALONZA SFC MORRISSEY DELITHA B SPC WHITAKER ROBERT GEORGE ALEC

206 CS HHD CSB REAR SSG DIAZDELOSSANTOS ABEDNEGO

4TH FIN DET SPC WALTON JEFFREY SCOTT

206TH MP CO SGT BONIFICIO PAUL DAVID PV1 REMUS JEREMIAH DAVID SSG VANCORT MARK W SGT WILKES DAVID JAMES

4TH PER SVC DET SPC MEJIA LESTER PFC OBRIEN CHRISTOPHER

727TH MP DET L AND O REAR MSG CORBETT GARY EUGENE SSG DAVIS SHAWN KEVIN SGT MAIER GLENN RAYMOND SPC WRIGHT TRAVIS DAVID

249TH MED CO AIR AMB (-) SSG RIVETTE EDWARD WALTER JR

1569 SPC SGT SGT SGT SGT SPC SGT

TC CO MED TRK FWD ADAMS JAEDEL D AVILAPONCE MIGUEL ANGEL CALDERON JUAN CASTILLO GILBERT DAVIS JAMES RAPHAEL DUNLAP JAMES LEE JR GORDON CARLOS ANTHONY

56TH PER SER BN SPC WELLS JASON R

204TH ENG DETACHMENT SPC DAVIS ROY CHARLES

1ST BAT 142D AVA SFC CLARK THOMAS G SGT LEY JONATHAN EDWARD SGT MOCKBEE JAMES JOSEPH SSG TURNER LAUREL JEANNE

145 OD CO MAINT DS REAR SFC MANCUSO LOUIS GABRIEL SPC MASON TYRONE SPC MATTHEWS TIFFANY

14TH FIN DET SSG RAMLAKHAN STEPHEN

53D HQ DET AR LIA (ARFOR) SPC KHOSH FILIPP

642 CS BN CO B REAR SPC MCALLISTER JEFFREY JOHN SFC PEARSON GARY G

222D SPC SGT SPC SPC

145TH MAINT CO SSG ACOSTA RAMON SPC BECKFORD NADINE ELIZABETH SGT CARRASQUILLO JOSUE SSG DEJESUS LEONCIO SGT GREENE EAROL GLENFORD SGT HERNANDEZ CHARLES ANTHON JR SPC JACKSON MICHAEL LEROY SGT LAPORTE EDWIN CHARLES SSG MALDONADO GEORGE SGT MARTINEZCOLON JOSE A SGT NGIRKUTELING GLENDA SPC OJEDA CHARLIE SGT PRINCE ROHAN ANTHONY SPC SLATE JASON DANIEL SGT THOMAS BENEDICT SPC WALBROOK MAURICE ALLEN JR SPC XIMINES ERROL ANTHONY

DERMOTT SCOTT DAVID GAMA GUSTAVO ADOLFO GUY TIMOTHY EDWARD MAHONEY DAVID PAUL PANTALEONE PAULINE MARIE SWANNICK WILLIAM THOMAS

466TH MED CO AR SUPT SGT ALLEN MATTHEW JAMES SPC BYRNES JOSEPH SGT COUSINEAU MAURICE JOSEPH SGT DEPALMA STANLEY MICHAEL SSG GEERTGENS DANIEL DWIGHT SGT HOLMES WANDA SPC HURST WINSTON GORDON PFC INGRAHAM CHARLES ELMER JR SGT KILMARTIN DAVID J SFC LOYA JERRY L SR SSG MEARNS RICHARD MATTHEW JR SGT MELLGREN ALYCIA JILL SPC MOREHOUSE WILLIAM PAUL JR SFC ROCCO PATRICK D SGT YEFKO SYLVESTER III

187TH ENG CO DUMP TRUCK SGT GEORGE RAYMOND LAWRENCE SGT HIGGINS CHARLES LAVERNE SFC KALINOWSKI MICHAEL FRANK SPC PISA BENJAMIN MATTHEW SSG WILSON DANIEL JOHN

138TH MPAD SSG DUGA STEVEN JAMES SGT GRAVELLE DENNIS RICHARD

145 OD CO MAINT FWD SPC BAEZ MICHAEL SGT CARABALLO JOHNNY SGT CRAWLEY RUSSELL EMMITT SPC DENOIA ROBERT SPC DIAZ RUBEN JR SGT MEDINADOMINGUEZ JOANNA SPC MORALES GARY SPC NAUPARI PABLO CESAR SGT PELLEGRINO CHARLES GUILIO SSG RIVERA JOSE ANGELO SGT ROBINSON WILLIAM K SPC ROSARIO LUIS ALBERTO SGT ROSAS LUIS SPC TEJADA JASON SGT TORRES LUIS A

SGT SPC SPC SGT SPC SGT

MP CO (-) FLORA PHILLIP JAMES GIRVIN JEFFREY SCOTT MAYER CHARI LANE SIDE CLIFFORD LAWRENCE JR

4TH PFC SPC SPC SGT

PER SVC DET REAR BELL REBECCA J EVERS JUSTIN CHARLES MCLEAN ERIC JAMES TURNER TODD HENRY

642 CS BN HSC FWD 3 SFC BILLINGSLEA WILLIE 642 CS BN HSC REAR SPC BABAR FRANCISCO FERRER SPC FRATICELLI LUIS A SPC FULLER SCOTT ALAN 719 TRANS CO (MDM TRK CGO) SSG LUKE PERCIVAL ST RICHARD SSG PAULINO TOMAS F SSG STEWART GRACIA ALIAN

727TH MP DET L AND O SPC ABRIL RICHARD MANUEL PV2 DELANEY CHRISTOPHER D SSG HALL STEPHEN JOSEPH SPC JAHNKE EDWARD ALLEN

272D MP DET BDE LIA MSG POVOSKY PATRICK THOMAS 272D SFC SPC SSG

MP DET BDE LIA REAR BURLEY CHRISTOPHER THOMAS CASTLE FREDERICK JAMES GREENE JAMES NAPOLEON III

27TH INF (BCT) SPC DAPSON KENNETH GERALD SPC NAVARRO ERIC L SPC WILLIAMS KEITH RONELL 29TH PER SER DET SPC ALEXIS JASON JOSEPH SPC CHERNOGOREC JUSTIN LEE SPC LADUE VALERIE FAY 2ND SPC SSG SFC SFC

BN 106TH REG (RTB) BENOIT JONAS L GANNON WILLIAM JOHN MABRA LEON W JR SANZO MELISSA LEAH

42D INF DIV BAND (-) SFC CARLSON DAVID BRIAN SGT CASTLE WAYNE PHILLIP SSG LUCHYN NANCY E 442D SGT SPC SGT SGT SSG SPC SGT SGT SSG SSG SGT CPL SSG

MP CO BACA DANIEL ALEXANDER CAREY BRENDAN JOSEPH CORTEZ HERMINIO DEFENSE VICTOR MAURICE FRASER VINCENT G HAYWOOD DELWIN MATOS HECTOR LUIS MEEHAN JAMES MICHAEL MENDEZ ALFREDO PAIGE SEAN EDWARD ROA ANTHONY ROJAS RICARDO DANIEL VELAZQUEZ ERNESTO

466TH MED CO AR SUPT REAR SGT ARCHER KEITH MICHAEL SPC BRANDLE GREGORY MICHAEL SSG CHURCHILL THOMAS B

In the danger zone, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the Rochesterbased B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment carries a demilitarized M113 armored personnel carrier into Fort Drum’s main impact area April 12.

Forty decommissioned military vehicles were emplaced in the impact area to be used as direct and indirect weapons targets. Army photo.

Army Reenlistments SSG SGT SFC SGT SGT

KANDL PHILIP JOSEPH NARDONE LUKE VINCENT SALCEDO MARCO ANTONIO TOMPKINS DANIEL SCOTT WALCZAK THOMAS WILLIAM

7TH SPC PFC SSG SPC

FIN DET BENT DANIEL MCKENZIE CLERK HARRY WILBUR LEE YUEN SANG SANCHEZ MICHAEL ANTHONY

7TH SPC SPC SGT SPC SPC SPC SPC SGT SPC SPC SFC SPC

FIN DET REAR BOST CLAUDIA MARIE LAN MARK YANG LOWE MILLICENT MARIE OMEALLY HANIF KWESI ORELLANA DANIEL PACHECO JOSE ALBERTO PHILIP SERIN RICHARDSON DEMETRIUS CHRIST SAGASTIZADO ASCENCIO ISAIAS TEOLOTITLA JORGE DAVID TORRES LUISA ROSA WALTON JAMEL JESSICA

A CO(ENG)BSTB 27TH IN BDE(BCT) SSG BUELL DAVID AUSTIN JR SGT COLON BILLY SSG MANUEL KENNETH RESPORT B CO(MI)BSTB 27TH IN BDE (BCT) SGT DREW MICHAEL THOMAS SGT GARDINER BENJAMIN EDWIN JR SSG HALL ROBERT JOHN 1SG LARA JOHN F SGT POTTS SHANNON RICHARD BATTERY A 1-258TH FA CPL BROWN WILLIAM JARVIS SPC JACKSON FRANKLIN EUGENE SPC PEREZ NEFTALI SPC ACOSTA FELIX RAFAEL SSG ANDERSON STANLEY CLEMENTE C CO(SIG)BSTB 27TH IN BDE(BCT) PFC PILLOT MICHAEL J JR CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE SPC HUTCHINGS KATHRYN ANN CO A (DISTRO) 427TH BSB SPC BROWN BRIAN SCOTT SPC DICKENS DAVID MATTHEW SGT GIOSEFFI RAYMOND RICHARD JR SPC GLEASON JESSICA MARIE SPC HORN DANIEL EVERETT SSG MARCINKOWSKI CINDY LOU 1SG TOMASSO THOMAS GERARD SGT WHEELER TIMOTHY JAMES CO A 1-101ST CAVALRY 1SG MARRA JOSEPH CO A 1-69TH INF SGT FELICIANO EDWIN SPC MARTINEZ MANUEL ALBERTO CO A 2-108TH INF SPC BRAUN JUSTIN ROGER SPC CRANE BRIAN RICHARD SSG GUILIAN JERRY JOSEPH SPC KYLE JONATHAN EDWIN SGT ROLDAN CARLOS R SFC ROSA ED SSG STRELOW TODD FREDERICK

SPC TABALES FELIPE JR

SGT HOYLE JAMES JAY

CO B (-) 2-108TH INF SGT DELISLE KYLE BLAKE SGT HAMILTON WAYNE SPENCER SPC QUINN ANDREW MICHAEL J

DET 1 272D CHEMICAL CO SGM SENEY DANIEL J

CO B (MAINT) 427TH BSB SGT FAVO DANIEL PAUL SGT GRAVES JASON WILLIAM CO B 101ST SIG BN SGT CASIANO ELVIN SGT GONZALEZ HECTOR M CO B 204 ENGR BN SGT RITCHEY COREY DALE SGT THOMAS BRAD MICHAEL CO B(-) 642D SUP BN SGT ALFARO GEOVANNY SGT RAMNATH ANIL RUDRANATH SPC SIMMONS TYEAUN WYMAN CO C (-) 1-69TH INF SFC GROSS JEFFREY WILLIAM SSG MAHER CHRISTOPHER WALLACE SPC MCCANN PAUL MATTHEW

DET 1 CO B 2-108TH INF SPC CURTIS RAYMOND VAN SPC SHELTON TONY T DET 1 CO C 2-108TH INF SPC BRANN JAMES CHANDLER DET 1 CO C 342D FWD SPT BN SGT FERNANDEZ DAVID DET 1 HHB 42 DIVARTY MSG LIU ERWIN V DET SGM SPC MSG

1 HHC 107TH SUP GP KLIPP PHILIP S JR ORTIZ ALBERTO JR WRIGHT ROGERS E ANTHONY

DET 1 HHC 2-108TH INF SPC DARGAN DAVID CHARLES

CO C (-) 204TH ENGR BN SFC JONES BRAD FRANCIS SPC RAMIREZ JOVANNY

DET 1 HHC BSTB 27TH IN BDE BCT SFC FINNIE DAVID LEE SSG LUDWIG RICHARD WAYNE

CO C (MED) 427TH BSB SSG PEARSON ANN MARIE SSG PEARSON WILLIAM LOREN

DET 2 CO B 2-108TH INF SSG HUMBURG WAYNE THOMAS

CO C 1-101ST CAVALRY SSG WILLSEY SCOTT A CO C 101ST SIG BN SGT BLYDEN DESHON JAMAL SPC CLAUDIO ADAM EDWIN SPC LOPEZ OSVALDO SGT PILE SHAUN ANDRE SGT QUINN ADRIAN SUNDIATA SPC STEINEL MARK SGT STEWART TRACYANN DENISE CO C(-) 638 SPT BN SSG MARCH DIANE L SGT WHITE RAMSEY ISAAC CO D 1-69TH INF PFC WALDEN TIMOTHY LARCRAICE CO D 2-108TH INF SPC ADSITT MICHAEL VINCENT JR SPC ROBINSON JAMEEL FUQUAN SSG SMITH JAMES EVERETTE PV2 VANZILE KEVIN EUGENE CO D 3-142D AVA SFC BOURDEAU PATRICIA ANN SFC GOLDSBERRY IRVING M SSG PUGLIESE ROBERT JOSEPH CO F (FSC INF) 427TH BSB SSG FUNES ROBERTO JOBANY SSG HUBBARD SANTIAGO L SSG ROSAS JULIO S CO G (FSC FA) 427TH BSB SGT ARVELO IVAN SPC MELHADO MICHAEL SPC SPARKS ROBERT LEE

CO A 3-142D AVA SGT KEACH NATHAN WILLIAM SFC RAWSON STEVEN CRAIG

DET 1 105 MP CO SFC RISLEY JEFFREY VAN JR SPC RIVERA ALVIN SR

CO A(-) 204 ENGR BN SGT BRAINARD HAROLD THOMAS SSG SYMONDS JAY EDWARD SGT ZWACK DARRICK JOSEPH

DET 1 133RD MAINT CO SGT ROBLES EDWIN JR

CO B (-) 1-69TH INF SGT MARTE NARCISO DANIEL SPC STEVENSON THOMAS DEWITT SFC SWIDERSKI PETER F

DET 1 CO B 1-69TH INF SGT MIRRO JAMES HENRY

DET 1 1427 TRANS CO SPC JUCKETT JEFFREY NEIL DET 1 222D MP CO SGT CROSBY JAMES PATRICK

DET 3 CO E 3-142D AVA PFC VANBUSKIRK PAUL RICHARD H& SGT SPC SFC

S CO 204 ENGR BN GREGROW ADAM LEE RAUB SCOTT JENNIFER REBECCA ZEMANICK JAMES ALBERT

HHB SPC SPC SPC

1-258TH FIELD ART DIAZ HECTOR LUIS JR MENDEZ OSCAR ELEUT JR MERA RAUL HUMBERTO

HHC SGT SGT SSG

(-) 2-108 INF BARKER MICHAEL WELLINGTON CRYTSER TIMOTHY SCOTT FALLON DAVID JOSEPH SR

HHC SFC SGT SGT MSG SGT SGT SPC

(-) BSTB 27TH IN BDE (BCT) BIALOBOK PAUL GEHRING BRIAN DAVID NIEVES RONALD VERGITH ROBERT LEE JR WHITE JAMES JOSEPH WILKOSZ KENNETH ALLEN WOJTANOWSKI JENNIFER MARIE

HHC SGT SPC SSG SPC SSG SGT SSG SPC SFC

1-101ST CAVALRY ABENOJA MICHAEL BEJER CEPEDARODRIGUEZ ALVIN D GERMOSEN JOSE R OKUN ELLIOT PADILLA PAUL JR PADILLA RYAN CHRISTIAN POUNDS JAMES LEE TODD SAVARESE JOHN JAMES SCHWARTZ RICHARD FREDERICK

HHC SGT SGT SGT SGT SPC SPC SGT SGT SGT SPC SPC CSM SGT HHC SSG

1-69TH INF BHOORASINGH RYAN HOWARD BRADSHAW BRIAN SIDNEY BROWN SEAN PATRICK BURGOS RICARDO LUIS CASTILLO EDWIN FORGIONE ANTHONY EUGENE LUNA MIGUEL ESTUARDO MALAVE MICHAEL ANTHONY PAPADATOS GREGORY NICOLAOS RODRIGUEZ JESUS ARTURO SAAVEDRAGONZALEZ JOSE A VASQUEZ JORGE L WARREN DZHANTAM TESONDRO 101ST SIG BN MOYA LUIS A

17 HHC 3RD BDE 42ND ID (M) SGT DELLES VICTOR LEON SPC WEARNE MICHAEL JOHN HHC MSG SFC SPC SPC SGM SSG SGT SSG SGM

42 IN DIV(-) HAGGERTY JAMES LIVOLSI RODNEY MCGLAUFLIN JOHN WILLIAM PROCTOR JEFFREY LAWRENCE RANAURO JOSEPH L RAVERT ROBERT HUGH ROST DAVID WAYNE JR THIMMAIAH ASHVIN MALETIRA WHITE CHARLES E

HHC 427 BSB MSG MALLET DEBORA FAYE HHC SFC SPC SSG SGT SGT SSG

642D MI BAT HACKETT MARK ERIC KIMMEL PATRICIA ANNE MAHER VINCENT JOSEPH VETTER DAVID ARTHUR WESTERLUND STEWART KENNETH WOOD TIMOTHY CHARLES

HHC SPC SGT SGT

COMBAT AVN BDE 42D IN DIV GINSBERG MICHAEL ROGER MORENO NELSON RUBERT RODNEY

HHC(-) 3-142D AVA SFC GUTZWILLER MATTHEW D HHD MSG SSG SPC SPC

104TH MP BN CONWAY BRIAN D EVANS ARTHUR JOHN III RODDY NATHAN CARROL WENIG JOHN GILES

HHD MSG SFC SPC SFC

206 CORPS SPT BN DIAZ SANTOS JR DOUGLAS STANLEY A SANJINES CARMEN WIMBERLY ERIC A

HHD 27TH FIN BN SSG RODRIGUEZ LUIS A HHD 369TH CORPS SPT BN SPC GURAHOO ATASHA SSG VASSEL DONAVAN NATHANIEL HHD SGT SSG SGT SSG

ENG BDE 42 ID ESTEP DAVID E HAGGETT CHARLES EDWIN III MITCHELL LEE DEXTER MONROE KENDALL L

HHT SFC MSG SPC SGT SFC

2-101 CAV (RSTA) COLEMAN JEFFREY DAVID GEORGAKIS ANTHONY LAIR KEVIN RICHARD TRZASKA ROBERT EDWARD WELLS ROLAND EARL

HQ 531ST TRP CMD SSG HAMILTON TIMOTHY DAVID HQ 53D TRP CMD SGM DEPALO ANDREW J SFC ECHEVARRIA RAUL HQS SGT SFC MSG

106TH REG (RTI) CHUNG SIHOON GIERMAN DOUGLAS C SPISSO JOHN BAPTISTE

HSC SGT SSG SSG SPC SGT SPC

642D SUP BN AGARD JUSTIN NOEL BURNS OSCAR ALFONSO CADET GERARD JACQUES DANIEL EUDES FORBES RICARDO JAMES LENROY ANTHONY

NYARNG ELE JFHQ FWD 12 SSG MONFORTE JOSEPH JR

18

Guard Times

Guard holds Combat Skate Jam for youth

By Staff Sgt. Cheryl Hackley National Guard Bureau ALBANY — At The Shelter skate park April 15, hundreds of youth in the local community here had the chance to compete for prizes and learn about dangers of drugs in the nation’s first Combat Skate Jam competition sponsored by the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

Over 300 boys and girls ages 8 to 17 participated in the day long competition.

Prizes were awarded to first, second and third place participants in both the beginner and the intermediate heats.

Every participant had the chance to compete once, and then the finalists were chosen and skated once again to try and place in the competition to earn a free skateboard deck or other accessories.

“Skateboarding is a fun, active, physically demanding and mentally challenging sport,” said Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. George Brett, Drug Demand Reduction administrator.

“The Skate Jam provides the youth and families of our community a creative alternative activity that recognizes and rewards the youth for their individual and unique talents.”

Skateboarding is a sub-culture that was once highly associated with drugs, especially marijuana use. This is something the participants and parents want people to know just isn’t true.

“A lot of them have long hair and wear baggy clothes, but they are all really awesome kids, you just don’t know that unless your in it,” said Kathy Vincent, a mother of one of the participants.

“It was fun for the kids to have their parents participate with them in a drug free athletic event.”

—Tech. Sgt. Marlene Frankovic N.Y. Counterdrug Task Force

“I think that stereotype is dying out,” agreed Scott Johnson, owner of The Shelter. “Skateboarding is becoming a lot more mainstream.”

“Skateboarding may look chaotic and reckless, but it is essentially low impact and a relatively safe sport compared to most other popular sports. With support from the community, skateboarding can be a great activity that builds character, integrity, determination and creativity,” said Brett.

The determination for success was apparent among the children as they practiced before the competition, often falling and crashing into each other, but they got right back up to try again until they mastered their ollies and kick flips.

“I really like getting air and learning new tricks. My favorite is board sliding,” said Dylan Patti, a 9-year-old participant.

He eagerly demonstrated his skills to his mother, who is very proud of him.

“He really just loves skateboarding. It’s great for kids to have a positive event like this,” said Susan Patti, his mother.

“The children are really committed to skateboarding once they get into it,” said Vincent. “It takes a lot of practice, and it builds a wonderful camaraderie among them.”

Anti-drug messages were displayed throughout the facility and different stations were set up to teach the participants not only the dangers of drug use, but the science involved in skateboarding. In order to earn the Combat Skate Jam t-shirt, participants had to take a drug awareness test and the answers were given at each of the different stations.

“We bring science into the program, teaching them about Newton’s Laws and how it affects them when they are skateboarding,” said Army National Guard Sgt. Peter Bridge, Drug Demand Reduction coordinator and five-year veteran of the Counterdrug Task Force.

Bridge oversaw two of the science-

Above: Participants had 1.5 minutes to perform any ollies, kickflips or other skateboarding tricks for judges during the competition. The Combat Skate Jam promotes skateboarding as a healthy alternative for youth.

Right: Guardsmen assist participants in the first Combat Skate Jam’s drug awareness test.

The New York National Guard sponsored a skateboarding competition and promoted antidrug messages throughout the event. Photos by Staff Sgt. Cheryl Hackley.

based demonstrations. One involved a miniature half pipe structure and small skateboards to show the participants how they use centrifical forces to do their tricks.

At the end of the test, students also had a chance to create their own individual drug-free slogan. “Skate Drug Free” and “Skaters Skate Clean” were some of the submissions.

The New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in an effort to combat the scourge of drugs in this state.

As part of the support to these agencies, the Counterdrug Task Force receives a share of forfeited monies from the drug dealers to be used for community activities. That is how they paid for this event, which was free to all participants. In the future, based on the

success of the first Combat Skate Jam, Counterdrug Guardsmen hope to use more seizure money to purchase a mobile skate ramp and take the Skate Jam on the road, promoting skateboarding and antidrug messages in communities that don’t have a skate park like The Shelter.

“We received a lot of positive feedback from the participants and their parents about the anti-drug effort as well the competition,” said Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Marlene Frankovic, a Counterdrug Guardsman. “It was fun for the kids to have their parents participate with them in a drug free athletic event.”

“Presenting this challenge engaged the youth and community in a healthy alternative activity while increasing drug awareness in a safe and rewarding environment,” said Brett. “And that is what we are all about, creating a positive environment for our children.” !

Guard Times

19

Lodging program designed to save lives costs incurred from damage to rooms. Violations will result in disciplinary action, as well as revocation of these privileges. Commanders may remove Soldiers from this program at any time for failure to comply with the provisions of this program and the program will only fund the cost of rooms as outlined in this program.

According to 1 st Lt. Martin Sullivan, the NY Army National Guard Safety Specialist, all Soldiers participating in the program are provided a copy of the “Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation Pamphlet” from the Guard’s Safety and Occupational Health office.

Once they sign a certificate certifying they understand the intent, purpose and provisions of the program they are mandated by the National Guard Bureau to complete an on-line survey at www.gko.ngb.mil/ARNG. To complete the survey, Soldiers must use their AKO logon and password to enter the site. Once logged in, go to the “What’s Hot” section in the top center of the page, and then go to the Fatigue Management Survey link. Take the survey by following the listed instructions.

“The survey takes about 10 minutes from start to finish and the number of completed surveys dictates funding for the program,” Sullivan said.

By Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo Guard Times Staff LATHAM – A relatively new National Guard program designed to help eliminate auto accidents due to driver fatigue and sleep deprivation has been initiated within the New York Army National Guard.

The IDT Lodging Program, which provides government funded accommodations, will also alleviate Soldiers’ concerns as more units face reorganization and transformation and Soldiers find themselves drilling further away from their local armories.

The program is available to all Soldiers who live outside a 50-mile travel distance from their home armories and, in some cases, availability is extended to a one-hour travel distance.

The program has made the decision to stay in a particular unit much easier for some Soldiers. Spc. Nicole Daly, a personnel specialist with headquarters company, 42 nd Infantry Division, who lives in Queens and attends St. Johns University full time, said she travels four hours to drill in Troy, NY and couldn’t afford to stay otherwise.

“It would be too difficult, due to the travel time involved and too costly to commute, with the price of gas, tolls and hotel fees,” Daly said, adding, “this shows the Guard cares about Soldiers, it makes me feel important that they take the time to make sure I’m safe and that I have a comfortable place to stay.”

The program not only benefits junior enlisted Soldiers, but senior leaders who often spend more than the traditional 16 hours on a drill weekend.

For the 42 nd Infantry Division Surgeon, Col. Joan Sullivan, who travels more than 200 miles from Ithaca to drill with Headquarters Company in Troy, the program is a huge benefit. Her three and a half hour drive adds to her average 12-hour drill day.

“Medical issues continue beyond the scheduled drill day,” Sullivan said. “When you’re dealing with post deployment issues as well as new issues that are brought to our attention each drill, you can’t just walk away without taking care of the Soldiers.”

Staying at a local hotel allows her to devote the time needed and still receive needed sleep.

“For Soldiers that live outside a 50-mile radius of the armory means their drive starts in the early

File artwork

morning hours,” Sullivan said. “Combine that with dark driving conditions, low visibility, fatigue and in many cases, rushing to make it to drill on time.

Add weather and traffic conditions and you have a combination for increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.”

Sullivan said she applauds the NYARNG for its decision to implement the program because it takes care of the Soldier.

According to Col. Mike Bobeck, the State Aviation Officer and the IDT Lodging Program Director, Soldiers must perform duty in a Unit Training, Multiple Training, Equivalent Training or Readiness Maintenance Assembly or Readiness Additional Flight Training Period status conducted at home station.

Soldiers authorized lodging should contact their units to request or cancel reservations. All cancellations are the responsibility of the Soldier and those who do not cancel in accordance with local procedures, are responsible for the cost of the room. Room charges will be recouped through a Statement of Charges, cash collection or Report of Survey.

Funding for this program will be based on double occupancy — a room with two beds — and the cost per room will not exceed the prevailing per diem rate for lodging for the area. Soldiers who are required to room alone (odd number of rooms) will have rooms funded 100 percent through the program.

Female and male Soldiers will not be roomed together and Soldiers will be responsible for all other costs to include, but not limited to, telephone calls, cable and Internet services, pay per view services, laundry, meals, mini-bars, room service, and any taxes associated with these services.

Soldiers will also be responsible for expenses or

“I sleep better knowing Soldiers aren’t traveling long distances, especially after a long day of drill.”

—Capt. Michael Tagliafierro Company Commander, 42nd ID Headquarters

For Capt. Michael Tagliafierro, the 42 nd ID Headquarters Company Commander, the program is a great relief. “I sleep better knowing Soldiers aren’t traveling long distances, especially after a long day of drill,” Tagliafierro said. “Our Soldiers work hard and we need to ensure they get the rest they need.” Tagliafierro believes most eligible Soldiers take advantage of the program, and as the Guard continues to transform, he foresees a greater need for the program, as Soldiers will be required to travel greater distances to drill in new units.

“I hope it continues, and I encourage anyone participating in the program, or leaders who have Soldiers participating, take the time to conduct the survey,” Tagliafierro said Tagliafierro also encourages Soldiers to work with their unit administrators to ensure proper notification so reservations can be made. Soldiers must also follow the program guidelines and ensure they turn in the appropriate paperwork and hotel bills to the unit so payment can be made.

“With the continuance of National Guard unit transformations and the need for Soldiers to travel longer distances to their armories, the IDT program will hopefully reduce the risk of accidents by allowing unit members the chance to get the rest they need for a safer and more productive drill weekend,” Bobeck said. !

20

Air Guard Promotions

COLONEL HUNIHAN, SHELLY M MCCREADY, JIM S JR MCGRAW, DANIEL J

105AW 107ARW 109AW

LIEUTENANT COLONEL BROWNELL, MARK A PORR, ROBERT F

109AW 105AW

MAJOR NORMAN, CARLYLE L

109AW

CAPTAIN BECKFORD, DEON N COWAN, JASON M GEER, MICHAEL T GRIFFIN, THOMAS M HOEPER, WESTON J MARTIN, TIMOTHY T MILOS, TORY L MURDOCH, ROBERT L UNDERHILL, ERIC A

109AW 109AW 174FW 107ARW 174FW 174FW 105AW 106RQW 105AW

FIRST LIEUTENANT BREINER, NICHOLAS G DEFALCON, EDWARD A FEE, JAMES T HINT, BRIAN REIN SCOFIELD, GARETH L JR STOQUERT, SANDRA D URBAND, DANIEL W

106RQW 105AW 106RQW 105AW 174FW 174FW 109AW

COOK, DARIN B DAVIS, NATIMA S DOUGLAS, JERRY W FIORILLO, RALPH B II FONTANEZ, NOEL FRAGGETTA, JOSEPH A JR GADMAN, MICHAEL M GARDINIER, JASON P GENTILE, JOHN A HARRIS, TIMOTHY F KIRWAN, TAMMY L KOKOTAJLO, JON J KRONK, DUANE R MAROTTA, RICHARD J ROBERTS, AMANDA L ROBERTS, MICHAEL E RODDY, PAUL R ROSARIO BRANKER, NAOMI RUSSETT, CHRISTOPHER A RUSSO, KAREN M SANDERSON, BURDETTE W JR SMITH, MIKE R STRICKLAND, CHRISTOPHER L THAYER, ANNE M TRINIDAD, DENISE ULLMAN, TODD M VELLA, MICHAEL J WAGNER, JOSEPH J WINTERS, SALEEM B

SECOND LIEUTENANT ESSMAN, JEREMY W HAND, KILEY O MELI, REBECCA F MESH, BRADLEY J SEGRETI, BENJAMIN G STAHLHUT, MICHAEL T

107ARW 107ARW 107ARW 109AW 105AW 106RQW

CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT BELLISSIMO, JAMES HARRIS, JAY B INGARGIOLA, FRANK LANIER, ALVIN J MAGRO, ANTHONY JR RIETVELT, MIKE T TAYLOR, JASON P

106RQW 174FW 105AW 109AW 106RQW 106RQW 109AW

SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT BAXTER, JOHN N CURTIN, KEVIN FOSTER, KEVIN A GIANIODIS, WILLIAM M NEWCOMBE, EDWARD E JR RANDOLPH, REYNOLD R SCHMITT, PHILIP R

174FW 107ARW 174FW 107ARW 174FW 105AW 106RQW

MASTER SERGEANT DANGELO, CHRISTOPHER A DAWSON, MARIE L DION, SEAN L FARMER, RODERICK O GILBERT, THOMAS M JONES, CAROLYN A LOBRAICO, TODD J MIRANDO, JOHN L III NELSON, ELIZABETH A OAKLEY, NICOLE M SCHUEREN, JOHN M SUSEN, DAVID L VNEK, MARTHA A WATSON, HARRY J ZECCA, ROBERT A

105AW 105AW 105AW 105AW 174FW 106RQW 105AW 106RQW 107ARW 105AW 105AW 105AW 174FW 106RQW 174FW

STAFF SERGEANT AVERSANO, MICHAEL J BAKHOUROV, KYRILL VLADIMIROV BARAN, KERRY A BARRELLA, JEFFREY J BENNETT, RONALD L BOUCHARD, BRET D CARRICK, JOSHUA R COUTURE, KEVIN J CROWELL, JOSHUA D DAHLSTROM, JERAD K DAMBROSIO, TODD L DANIELS, JEFFREY D FORSYTHE, SCOTT T FRENCH, TOBY L GUZMAN, MICHAEL HUNTER, BRADFORD R HUNTER, TRACY A KELLY, EDWARD A IV KINGKNIGHTS, CHARLENE S KNEUT, JEREMY J LEWIS, JONATHAN M LIGUORI, JASON M LUPIANI, NATALIE B MARRA, STEPHEN J MELANSON, JAMES A II MERRIHEW, CARRIE L MILLER, ARON D MOFFETT, MAUREEN E MONDO, JOSEPH R MOYA, FELIX J OMEARA, PATRICK J PODLUCKY, JOHN M ROSSO, RICARDO RYAN, DAVID W SANTAFERRARA, JAMES P III SCHWIND, KRISTOPHER CHARLES SHEEHAN, ROBERT M TULLY, MICHELLE L WAGNER, MICHAEL A WEDDELL, JOSHUA R WEISER, DANIEL M WIGDORSKI, ADAM M WILLIAMS, JEDEDIAH C

TECHNICAL SERGEANT ASHLEY, CHRISTOPHER J BUNDY, LAURA E CAMILLERI, BRIAN J

174FW 105AW 106RQW

SENIOR AIRMAN ALVAREZ, MICHELLE V BARCOMB, ANJULI S CALABRESE, ASHLEY N

109AW 109AW 174FW 109AW 106RQW 105AW 106RQW 109AW 106RQW 105AW 109AW 107ARW 105AW 106RQW 105AW 174FW 174FW 106RQW 109AW 174FW 174FW 109AW 105AW 174FW 105AW 109AW 106RQW 105AW 107ARW

109AW 105AW 105AW 174FW 174FW 109AW 106RQW 109AW 106RQW 174FW 174FW 105AW 105AW 174FW 105AW 174FW 174FW 106RQW 105AW 107ARW 109AW 105AW 174FW 109AW 109AW 174FW 107ARW 109AW 174FW 105AW 105AW 107ARW 105AW 107ARW 174FW 105AW 105AW 106RQW 105AW 109AW 107ARW 107ARW 109AW

109AW 109AW 174FW

CRISALLI, MICHAEL J CUTTER, DEREK S DAVIS, LATISHA JEANETTE DONNELLY, RYAN M DUKES, NICOLE NMN FARCHIONE, RACHEL T GORDON, ALEXANDER M GRAY, DANIEL FRANK GRIEPSMA, SHANNON S HISEL, SCOTT D KLOS, KEVIN H LOOR, EDER BERNARDO MACDONALD, JAMES D III MALAMAS, DANIEL J MCGINNIS, TYLER J MILLER, MICHAEL MURPHY, KELNISHA T PANGBURN, WILLIAM D III PETZOLD, JUSTIN B RISING, ERIC D ROTH, DANIEL V SAUNDERS, ERICA L SCHEER, MARCUS F SIMMONS, LEWIS D TIM, NICHOLAS A VALLSDELOSREYES, JENNIFER A WESSER, TAD M

109AW 107ARW 174FW 174FW 105AW 109AW 109AW 174FW 174FW 174FW 174FW 105AW 174FW 105AW 105AW 174FW 105AW 174FW 105AW 109AW 109AW 105AW 105AW 174FW 107ARW 109AW 107ARW

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ALI, KAREEM J AMES, ANDREW L ARFIELD, DAVIDJAMES D BAZYDLO, ANDREW T BERG, JASON D BRUEGGEMAN, JASON M BUTLER, BLAKE R BUTTERBAUGH, DAVID A CALDON, ELIZABETH H COLE, MICHAEL J COLINA, JAMES E COTTER, MATTHEW R DEAN, MICHAEL J FERRY, JORDAN E GILLETTE, MARIA M HIGGINS, MICHAEL P KALLEN, BRYAN A KESSLER, MICHAEL E KUHLMEIER, CARLTON T JR LEWIS, PAULA L LUCKENBACH, AUSTIN J NATIONS, BRITTANY N OAKEY, ERIN M OKEEFE, CHARLES H ROUGHT, ANDREW P RUBINO, JOHN A III SALCE, ALCIDE SCARANO, JOHN A SKELANY, MICHAEL R TIFFANY, JASON M WOOD, CHRISTOPHER A

105AW 105AW 105AW 174FW 107ARW 107ARW 105AW 107ARW 109AW 106RQW 106RQW 106RQW 174FW 107ARW 107ARW 107ARW 105AW 107ARW 109AW 107ARW 174FW 109AW 107ARW 105AW 109AW 107ARW 106RQW 105AW 105AW 107ARW 174FW

AIRMAN FONSECA, FABIANY R FRANCOIS, MAKENZY NMN

106RQW 105AW

AIRMAN BASIC ARGY, ROBERT P BRISTOL, ELIZABETH M CORNELL, JONATHAN D CROSS, LYNSEY A GATTA, BRETT M HOYT, REBECCA J HUGHES, TIMOTHY A MCROBBIE, MICHAEL W RUZICKA, JOHN P

107ARW 174FW 107ARW 109AW 109AW 107ARW 174FW 105AW 174FW

Guard Times

21

Syracuse Airman grabs Gold Guard member rallies with AF Women’s Soccer Team By 1st. Lt. Anthony L. Bucci 174th Fighter Wing

Air Force Soccer team member, Master Sgt. Sherry Correll, reaches out for a ball. Photo courtesy of the 174th Fighter Wing.

New patrol boats afloat

By Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith Guard Times Staff LATHAM – Champagne, broken across a ship’s stem, and a blessing for the future are long-standing traditions for mariners launching new watercraft.

In this maritime tradition, Sailors of the New York Naval Militia’s Military Emergency Boat Service (NYSMEBS) gathered at Indian Point March 15 and at Mamaroneck April 21 to name and dedicate its newest patrol boats: Patrol Boat 230; Patrol Boat 300; and Patrol Boat 301.

Patrol Boat 230 is 23 feet long and carries a crew of two-four Sailors and Soldiers.

Twin 115 horsepower outboard engines can propel its aluminum hull across the water at speeds nearing 35 knots.

“I … ask that God’s blessing for fair winds, following seas and safe voyages are always bestowed upon this vessel and all who sail in her,” said Spc. Toni Tomasino at Indian Point. She then swung a champagne bottle into the boat with a bang of glass and foam.

SYRACUSE — A member of Hancock Field Air National Guard Base recently helped the Air Force repeat as the Armed Forces women’s soccer champions at the 2006 championship tournament hosted by Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Master Sgt. Sherry Correll of the 152nd Air Operations Group was selected for the Air Force women’s soccer team as a goalkeeper for the defending champs, who once again brought home the gold.

Correll has been a member of Hancock Field since March 1999 when she joined the 174th Fighter Wing as the unit training manager for the Communications Squadron. In 2002 she accepted a full-time position as the unit training manager for the 152nd Air Operations Group.

Prior to her joining the unit, Correll spent five years in the Air Force as the club manager at Onizuka Air Force Base, Calif. During her active duty time she was a member of the Air Force and the Armed Forces Bowling Team.

Correll was surprised to learn that an Air National Guard member is eligible to tryout for Air Force sports teams. She stumbled upon this fact last year while visiting www.usafsports.com, and quickly decided to

Tomasino is entrusted as “Godmother” to PB230 and her actions commenced the new patrol boat’s expected 20-year-plus service life.

“We launched two new 30 foot patrol boats as well,” said Maj. Willard Lochridge, officer in charge, NYSMEBS. Lochridge explained that PB300 and PB301, both catamarans received naming ceremonies in Mamaroneck similar to PB230. Twin four-stroke, 250 horsepower, supercharged outboard engines can power the catamarans up to 42 knots. Their crew size includes two operators with a total capacity of eight–10 people.

Mrs. Florence Rosen, wife of Rear Adm. Robert A. Rosen, Commander NYNM and Naval Aid to the Governor, is Godmother to PB-300. Mrs. Susan Pouch, wife of Cdr. Robert Pouch, NYNM and Executive Director for the State Board of Commissioners of Pilots, is Godmother to PB-310.

Crews will immediately train on the new patrol boats and re-qualify annually. Patrol boat crews are made up of line handlers and a coxswain (driver).

The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, assigns the patrol boats’ duty under the direction and authority of Governor George E. Pataki.

The patrol boats bring deadly force to bear in their homeland security missions

apply for the womens’ soccer team. Unfortunately, due to numerous deployments, there was no soccer tournament in 2005; however, Correll revisited the site earlier this year and applied for the team.

During high school, Correll played soccer and basketball. After graduation, she received an athletic scholarship from LeMoyne College, N.Y., to be the starting goalie on the women’s soccer team. She later transferred to Syracuse University where she once again starred in net for the “Orange”.

She submitted an Air Force Form 303, Request for USAF Specialized Sports Training, and was selected with 28 other women to the tryouts that were held at Pope, AFB N.C., starting April 21. The practices were grueling, three and one-half-hour sessions, held twice a day. The practices were so exhausting that they received a day off on their fifth day, and by the end of this practice schedule, the team was cut from the original 28 to a final roster of 18 team members.

“It was a very competitive environment, but it was also a lot of fun. We created a lot of good relationships,” Correll said. “It really became more fun once the twoa-day [practices] were over,” she added, laughing.

“We were definitely the team to beat, and because of this, we were trained very hard. The Army was gunning for us, but we beat them and repeated as champs!”

Correll was one of only three enlisted servicemembers on the team and the only Air National Guard member.

In her only appearance of the tournament she pitched a 4-0 shutout against a joint forces team of Navy, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. !

Mrs. Florence Rosen, wife of Rear Adm. Robert A. Rosen, christens new NYNM patrol boat, PB300.

Photo courtesy of the New York Naval Militia.

when armed by Army National Guard Soldiers.

Aiding the Coast Guard, which holds overall responsibility for protecting the nation’s waterways, the NYNM and its NYSMEBS respond to a wide range of state emergencies including natural and man-made disasters, civil emergencies, major accidents and rescues and support

for community service projects. Homeland defense is a main mission for NYSMEBS, as well as search and rescue, rapid medevac, environmental cleanup, dive and salvage, waterborne troop and weapons deployment, and law enforcement support.

“These three new patrol boats will expand the statewide capabilities for our maritime defense,” Lochridge said. !

22

Guard Times

Ceremony celebrates Military Family Volunteer Week Local volunteers recognized for support to families and deployed troops

By Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith Guard Times Staff LATHAM — An assembly of military and civilian employees plus local military family volunteers held a ceremony here April 25 to declare Military Family Volunteer Week in New York State and recognize local military family volunteers.

Governor George E. Pataki declared the week of April 23 - 29 as Military Family Volunteer Week in New York to recognize the vital contributions, services and sacrifices rendered by military families and those volunteers who are supporting them at a time of record deployments.

Officials said military Family Volunteer Week acknowledged that members of the

Armed Services are not alone in making sacrifices, but that their families also serve.

The annual observance of National Volunteer Week in America is an opportunity to also give well-deserved recognition to outstanding volunteers in communities throughout New York.

Since 9/11, family members, friends and neighbors of servicemembers are willing and eager to volunteer to support each other and their deployed loved ones as members of unit Family Readiness Groups (FRGs).

Following the reading of a Proclamation from Governor George E. Pataki, presentations were made to eight volunteers of capital district National Guard family readiness groups.

“These eight volunteers are representative of the many volunteers across the state we celebrate this week for their tireless support of military families,” said Mrs. Beverly Keating, State Family Programs director.

“What’s often overlooked is that these volunteers, which give their time and assistance to families of the deployed, put their own needs aside while going through

Mrs. Beverly Keating, Family Programs, and The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, right, thank family readiness group volunteers for their service. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith.

similar separations. That, alone, is an amazing testament to their personal strength and sacrifice. It’s important to distinguish and recognize that.”

Families are encouraged to contact their

Companions of the fallen Commentary by Sgt. John R. Byrnes Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment NEW YORK CITY — Staff. Sgt. Kevin Jessen wasn’t officially a New York Guard member. He wasn’t even a native New Yorker; although, he became an honorary one.

The tall affable Arkansan married his bride from the Town of Mexico, N.Y., which is not far from Syracuse and not far from Fort Drum where the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry prepared for its 2004 deployment to Iraq and Task Force Hunter.

If I said Jessen impressed every one of us it would be an understatement. Jessen excelled!

Jessen became a key player and member of the task force. He was attached to a theater-level explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) command, but he was the task force’s guardian angel for six months.

Sergeant Jessen saved my life. Not just once, but day in and day out, for the better part of those six months.

Every Soldier on Forward Operating Base (FOB) O’Ryan, and thousands of others that transited its routes, owe him that debt.

Sergeant Jessen got along with everyone, upstate and city Soldier alike. Everyone in the task force knew him, and every one of us not only liked him, but we immediately respected him and his incredible professionalism. Maybe the lanky kid had a special rapport with New Yorkers. More than likely, he was just a friendly, easygoing Southerner with a ready smile.

Staff. Sgt. Kevin Jessen in Iraq. File photo.

We spent a lot of time with Jessen, and we learned a lot from him. The battalion’s Alpha Company had one platoon assigned as the task force’s quick reaction force, regularly. This meant we repeatedly escorted EODs to the sight of roadside bombs (IEDs), whether they were discovered intact or exploded. Sergeant Jensen immediately became well known because he was an expert on explosives and IEDs, which were the bane of our existence, there, and the one thing we were commonly fearful of.

Jessen could tame IEDs. He defused dozens of them, and he inspected the exploded remains of dozens more.

In this regard, Jensen was our subject matter expert and an important intelligence source. He could identify the

armory, air base or the State Family Programs Office for information on readiness meetings and volunteer opportunities. Call 1-877-7157817 or see the Family Support and Readiness information on page 23. !

handiwork of particular bombers operating in our area.

He was certain that there were two main bomb makers with two different styles with several emplacement teams.

Armed with Jessen’s information, our Soldiers were able to increasingly detect and defeat the enemy. But every trip on the roads of Iraq remained a journey of anticipation.

An IED exploding is a terrible thing. One minute you are rolling down the road, and all is quiet. Inside the vehicle, military drivers are focused on scanning the road while “back-seaters” joke to relieve their nerves. Suddenly, one day, the world explodes. Sound and fury smash together in a deafening roar, panic strains against military training, fear bubbles up from the gut and battle drills are executed.

In the aftermath, Soldiers launch security patrols to eliminate the triggerman, if possible. Roadside bombers rarely plant a single bomb because they hope to disable a patrol and attack it. This second attack can be aimed at exposed Soldiers, medical vehicles or responding EOD teams assessing a bomb crater.

Staff Sgt. Jessen, on his second tour in Iraq, responded March 5 to an EOD call in Rawah, Iraq. Rawah lies at the head of the Euphrates River near Mosul. Reports indicate that Jessen was suited up in his bomb-suit defusing the IED when a second, undiscovered, IED exploded.

It killed him.

There is no doubt that the enemy directly targeted him; I’m certain of that. The bombers in Rawah must have hated him as much as the bombers in Dujail two years ago.

Jessen was not just a hero; he was my hero. He was my friend too. One of the saddest parts of soldiering is that many friends become heroes. I can safely speak for every Soldier that served on Task Force Hunter when I say, “we salute you, Kevin”. As far as we’re concerned you were one of us: our honorary New Yorker and one of its best Soldiers. We miss you. !

Guard Times

Family Offices provide valuable Guard services The State Family Programs Office (SFPO) facilitates training for contractors and volunteers to ensure their level of knowledge is consistent and conducive to administer appropriate levels of valuable services to the military families of New York State.

The SPFO is also tasked with budgetary, policy and procedure as well as administrative duties to appropriately oversee all aspects of the New York National Guard Family Programs.

It is the SFPO duty and responsibility to ensure that the successful delivery of services are employed in the most efficient and effective manor, so that the service member’s families obtain the fullest support through out their service members career.

NYNG Family Program Office-MNFP 330 Old Niskayuna Rd. Latham, NY 12110 Director - Beverly Keating Direct Line (518) 786-4525 Fax Line (518) 786-6075 Toll Free (877) 715-7817 Email: beverly.keating@ny.ngb.army.mil The New York State National Guard Youth Program The Youth Program is designed to implement support and training to New York State military youths. Its programs offer training to various community base organizations, to include community schools, which also explore the unique issues specifically related to military youth.

The Youth Program considers the implementation of skills training in leadership, mentoring, and resource coordination will ensure that the program, and the services provided, reflect the unique needs of all military children.

NY STATE YOUTH COORDINATOR Shelly Aiken Camp Smith, Bldg 501 Cortlandt Mannor, NY 10567 Office: (914) 788-7405 Cell: (518) 727-6028 Email: shelly.m.aiken@ny.ngb.army.mil New York National Guard Family Readiness Assistant (FRA) The core function of a FRA is to work with Family Readiness Groups (FRGs), Military Point of Contacts (MPOC), Rear Detachment Commanders (RDC) (during deployment), and volunteers to provide training and hands-on assistance for establishing and maintaining an effective Family Readiness system within units and commands.

The FRA coordinates all aspects of the family readiness triad: Family Readiness Groups, Rear Detachment Command and Family Assistance Centers.

NYNG - FRA Stephanie Duell DMNA – MNFP 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, NY 12110 Office: (518) 786-4774 Cell: (518) 222-9372 Fax: (518) 786-6075 Email: stephanie.duell@ny.ngb.army.mil Military Family Assistance Centers (MFAC), Wing Family Assistance Centers (WFAC) When Military Service members are at basic training, annual training, drills, or are away serving their State or Country, the staff of the New York National Guard’s Family Assistance Centers are ready to help families on the home front.

Located in seven New York locations, MFAC’S and WFAC’S are easy-to-reach, one-stop shops for information and assistance.

The Center staff put service members and their families in touch with personnel or programs that meet their individual needs. Their locations are: KINGSTON REGION Diane Weeks NYS Armory, 25 Kiersted Ave.,Kingston, NY 12401 Office: (845) 331-1560 (ext. 32) Fax: (845) 339-6024 Email: diane.weeks@ny.ngb.army.mil

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• Family Programs Office • Military Family Assistance Centers • Wing Family Program Coordinators • Youth Program Coordinator

LATHAM REGION Dyette (Dee) Putnam NYS Armory, JFHQ, 330 Old Niskayuna Rd, Latham, NY 12110 Office: (518) 786-4656 Fax: (518) 786-6075 Email: dyette.putnam@ny.ngb.army.mil NEW YORK CITY REGION Mildred Acabeo-Ramos NYS Armory, 2366 5th Ave., New York, NY 10037-1097 Office: (917) 507-8706 Fax: (917) 507-8707 Email: mildred.acabeo-ramos@ny.ngb.army.mil ROCHESTERREGION Jeanne Clark NYS Armory, 42 Patriot Way, Rochester, NY 14624-5136 Office: (585) 783-5310 Fax: (585) 783-5308 Email: jeanna.clark@ny.ngb.army.mil UTICA REGION Kimberly Alvord NYS Armory Rome, 1110 Black river Blvd., Rome, NY 13440 (315) 339-8526 (ext. 19) Email: kimberly.alvord@ny.ngb.army.mil NEWBURGHREGION Jeanne Dion 105th Airlift Wing Stewart Intl. Airport, One Militia Way, Newburgh, NY 12550-5042 Office: (845) 563-2062 Email:jeanne.dion@nystew.ang.af.mil

WESTHAMPTON REGION Lisa D’Agostino 106th Rescue Wing, 150 Riverhead Rd.,Westhampton Beach, NY 11978-1201 Office: (631) 723-7133 Email: lisa.dagostino@nysuff.ang.af.mil NIAGARA FALLS REGION Carole Adamczyk 107th Air Refueling Wing, 9910 Blewett Ave.,,Niagara Falls, NY 14304 Office: (716) 236-3411 Email: carole.adamczyk@nyniag.ang.af.mil SCOTIA REGION Joanna Pritchard 109th Airlift Wing, 1 Air National Guard Road, Scotia, NY 12302-9752 Office: (518) 344-2357 Email: joanna.pritchard@nyscot.ang.af.mil SYRACUSE REGION Terri Scanlin 174th FW 6001 E. Molloy Rd., Syracuse, NY 13211-7099 Office: (315) 233-2577 Email: terri.scanlin@nysyra.ang.af.mil

Guard Times

A Heart bestowed

By Staff Sgt. Peter K. Towse 42nd Infantry Division Public Affairs MANHATTAN – There was more than just cheers and applause, speeches and toasts at the welcome home ceremony for the 69th Infantry Regiment on March 17 – there was also a heartfelt gesture, a behind the scenes pass of a Purple Heart Medal to the mother of a fallen hero.

“I handed my Purple Heart to the mother of one of our fallen Soldiers,” said Sgt. Richard Strzalka, a team leader with Alpha Company, 69th Infantry Regiment. “The sacrifice he made was a lot more than what we did.”

Strzalka was in Baghdad on patrol with Alpha Company on August 22, 2005. It was a usual patrol of driving through the streets searching for insurgents. But on this fateful day, havoc was unleashed as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device exploded near Strzalka’s vehicle.

Strzalka recalls that while they were on patrol in Baghdad, a car pulled over for them to pass. They had just turned onto the road and the vehicles were still close to each other.

Strzalka remembers seeing a small child come off of the curb and, as they approached, the driver of the vehicle they were going to pass detonated his car bomb.

Two trucks in the patrol were heavily damaged and the building on the corner of the street was destroyed.

Through the smoke and dust, Strzalka ordered the call for a casualty evacuation and made sure security was established. By that time, other units that were out on patrol started to arrive to offer assistance.

“It was my birthday that day and I was joking that I should not go out,” Strzalka said. “The next thing you know – Boom!” Though Strzalka spent some time in the hospital with injuries, he was eager to return to his unit.

Strzalka was awarded the Purple Heart Medal during a welcome home ceremony for the 69th Infantry Regiment at New York City’s Lexington Avenue armory. The ceremony was a celebration of the unit returning from Iraq.

Many speakers, including The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, attended the ceremony. To many Soldiers like Strzalka, though, it was an opportunity to reflect upon the time they spent at war and remember those friends that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

“Giving my Purple Heart was my way of letting Spc. Urbina’s mother and father know that they are now part of our family,” Strzalka said. “It was my way, as an noncommissioned officer, to say that even though Urbina was their son at peace, he was our son at war … that we understand the pain that she is suffering.”

“We lost our son in Iraq,” said Jeanette Urbina the mother of Spc. Wilfredo F. Urbina. “Our son’s friend gave me his Purple Heart. I am overwhelmed with emotion over the gesture of him giving his Purple Heart to us. We know how hard it has been for the Soldiers in Iraq.”

Spc. Wilfredo F. Urbina died when an improvised explosive device detonated, killing him and another passenger and wounding the other occupants of his vehicle on Nov. 29, 2004 near the city of Taji, Iraq.

“We spent a lot of time together,” Strzalka said. “He was a funny guy and there wasn’t a single time that we were not together that it wasn’t all laughs.”

“The day that [Urbina] died, I was out on patrol with my section,” Strzalka said. “We heard the medical evacuation request over the radio. There was nothing that we could do but keep working ...”

As the welcome home ceremony ended and the crowds dispersed, Strzalka and the Urbina family got a chance to say hello and embrace each other as family.

“Thank you so much for giving us your Purple Heart,” said Agustin Urbina, Spc. Urbina’s father, to Strzalka as he shook his hand and held him close. “The ceremony was touching and beautiful.”

“Even though I was injured, that is no comparison to the sacrifice that was made with his life,” Strzalka said. “If there were some way I could switch places with him, I would.” !

Agustine Urbina, the father of Spc. Wilfredo F. Urbina, shakes the hand of Sgt. Richard Strzalka, a team leader with Alpha Company, 69th Infantry Regiment, and thanks him for giving them his Purple Heart in honor of his son, Spc. Urbina, who died in Iraq in 2004. Strzalka was injured while on patrol in Baghdad in 2005. Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Towse.

About Guard Times The Guard Times is published bimonthly using federal funds authorized under provisions of AR 360-1 and AFI 35-101 by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the New York Army and Air National Guard Public Affairs Office. Views which appear in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department of Defense, the Army, the Air Force or the National Guard Bureau.

The Guard Times has a circulation of 25,000 and is distributed free to members of the New York State Militia Force and employees of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

Governor George E. Pataki, Commander in Chief Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, The Adjutant General Kent Kisselbrack, Director of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Paul A. Fanning, NYARNG , Editor Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith, NYANG, Assistant Editor Articles, photos and letters are welcome. Please provide article submissions on a computer disk with a hard print out and a name and telephone number for a point of contact. We prefer stories saved in Microsoft Word or ASCII text.

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Before writing us at the Guard Times about your address change, start with your unit. It takes about two months before the change hits the system, but, guess what! The Guard Times comes out every two months. So if you have verified the unit has the correct information and the Guard Times still came to the old address, be patient. The next issue should come to the new address.

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